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A  VOLUME 


EECOEDS 


RELATING  TO  THE 


Early  History  of  Boston 


CONTAINING 


BOSTON  TOWN  EECOEDS,  1814  TO  1822 


BOSTON 

MUKICIPAL  PRINTING  OFFICE 

1906 


Digitized  by  the  Internet  Archive 
^    in  2010  with  funding  from 
Boston  Library  Consortium  IVIember  Libraries 


http://www.archive.org/details/volumeofrecords37bost 


[Document  128—1906.] 


REGISTRY  DEPARTMENT 


CITY  OF  BOSTON 

EECORDS  EELATING  TO  THE  EARLY  HISTORY 
OF  BOSTON 

{Formerly  called  Record  Commissioners''  Reports) 


This  volume,  which  is  the  thirty-seventh  in  the  series  formerly 
issued  under  the  direction  of  the  Record  Commissioners,  contains 
the  proceedings  of  the  town  from  March  14,  1814,  to  April  1, 
1822,  containing  and  completing  the  meetings  of  the  inhabitants 
under  the  town  government,  as  recorded  in  the  tenth  book  of  the 
original  records  of  the  town  of  Boston. 


Old  Court  House,  Boston. 


EDWARD  W.  McGLENEN, 
Gity  Registrar. 


U  ioo 


BOSTON  TOWN  EECORDS. 


[TENTH  BOOK.] 


1814—1823. 

[1.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
duly  qualified  &  legally  warned  in  publick  Town  Meeting  assembled 
at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  W^  day  of  March  A.D.  1814  — 
9  O'clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev*^  M'^.  Parkman. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Laws  respecting  the  Election  of  Town  officers, — read. 

Hon^^®.  John  Phillips,  Esq'',  chosen  Moderator. 

Thomas  Clark  —  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  year  ensuing, 
&  the  oath  of  office  was  administered  to  him  by  the  Moderator. 

Charles  Bulflnch  Benjamin  Weld 

Ebenezer  Oliver  Joseph  Lovering 

Jonathan  Hunnewell  Joseph  Austin  & 

Joseph  Foster  Robert  Williams,  Esq". 

Nathan  Webb 
were  chosen  Selectmen  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  oath  was  administered  to  them  by  the  Moderator  &  the 
following  Certificate  given  by  him. 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts, 
Suffolk   ss.   .   .   .  March  14"\   1814- 

Then  Charles  Bulflnch*,  Ebenezer  Oliver,  Jonathan  Hunnewell, 
Joseph  Foster,  Nathan  Webb,  Benjamin  Weld,  .Joseph  Lovering, 
Joseph  Austin  and  Robert  Williams  Esquires  being  chosen  Select- 
men of  the  Town  of  Boston  for  the  ensuing  year  severally 
appeared  &  made  oath  faithfully  to  discharge  the  duties  of  their 
office  respecting  all  elections  and  the  returns  thereof. 

before  me  John  Phillips 

Justice  of  the  Peace. 


2  City  Document  No.  128. 

[3.J     William  Smith  William  Mackay 

William  Phillips  Joseph  Coolidge  jun. 

Redford  Webster  Joseph  Richards 

Thomas  Perkins  Bryant  P.  Tilden 

Samuel  Snelling  Ephraim  Elliott  and 

Ozias  Goodwin  Jonathan  Phillips  Esq^'^ 

Were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Thomas  Mellvili  Nathan  Webb 

Andrew  Cunningham  George  Blanchard 

John  Winslow  Samuel  M.  Thayer 

Stephen  Codman  Joseph  Tilden 

Jonathan  Hunnewell  Joseph  Austin 

Daniel  Messenger  Benj".  Rich 

William  Sullivan  Joseph  Lovering 

Benjamin  Smith  Gedney  King 

Nathaniel  Curtis  Francis  J.  Oliver 

Edward  Cruft  John  D.  Williams 

James  Phillips  William  Harris  and 

Bryant  P.  Tilden  John  Winslow  jun''.  Esq'^^ 
were  chosen  Firewards  for  the  year  ensuing 

Thanks  of  the  Town  voted  to  Maj'".  Bray  &  M^  Page. 

Voted,  That  in  addition  to  the  Selectmen  twelve  persons  shall 
now  be  chosen  a  School  Committee;  and  the  votes  being  collected 
it  appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen  viz. 

Rev*^.  Charles  Lowell  Charles  Davis,  Esq'". 

Rev**.  Horace  Holley  John  Heard  jun"". 

Rev*^.  Samuel  Cary  Peter  O.  Thacher 

Doct^  Aaron  Dexter  Francis  J.  Oliver 

Doct^  Thomas  Welsh  William  Smith  & 

Doct'.  John  C.  AYarren  William  Welles  Esq''®. 

Voted,  That  the  above  named  Gentlemen  who  conjunctly  with 
the  Selectmen  are  termed  the  School  Committee,  be  and  hereby 
are  directed  to  carry  the  system  of  Education  adopted  by  the  Town 
into  operation  :  and  that  said  Committee  be  also  authorized  and 
empowered  conjunctly  to  manage  and  regulate  the  Government 
[3]  of  the  Schools ;  and  to  execute  all  the  powers  relative  to  the 
Schools  and  School  Masters  which  the  Selectmen  or  such  Com- 
mittees are  authorized  by  the  laws  of  the  Commonwealth  or  by 
votes  of  the  Town  to  exercise.  The  thanks  of  the  Town  was  then 
voted  to  M''.  Channing. 

Mess".  Benjamin  White  Joseph  Stodder 

John  Cogswell  Allen  Bowker 

William  Clouston  William  Ellison  jun'. 

William  Ellison  Nath^  Glover 

Nathaniel  Bradlee  John  Howe  Jun'. 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1814.  3 

Noah  Dogget  Richard  Thayer 

Bradock  Loring  Edw*^.  J.  Robbins 

Thomas  Christie  Henry  Blake 

William  Green  Joseph  Tucker  and 

Eleazer  Homer  Moses  Eayres  Jun"". 

were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Boards  &  other  Lumber  for  the  year 

ensuing. 

Mess''^  Henry  Purkett  NathP.  Howe  and 

John  Smith  Benjamin  Clark 

were  appointed  Surveyors  of  Hoops  &  Staves. 

Mess'^^  Thomas  Barbour  John  Bannister 

Nath^  Howe  Thomas  Lambert 

Benjamin  Clark  Benj°.  Owen 

Gershom  Spear  James  Brown  and 

Charles  Pook  Wilham  J  Hammet 

were  chosen  cullers  of  Dry  fish. 

Mess''^  Benjamin  White — Nath^  Bradlee  and  William  Ellison 
were  chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess''^  Barney  Sloan  —  Neddy  Curtis  Joseph  Champney  and 
Joseph  Selaway  were  chosen  Hogreeves  &  Haywards  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

Samuel  Emmons,  and  John  Phillips,  Esq''^  were  chosen  Sur- 
veyors of  Hemp  — 

[4.]  Edward  Tuckerman  and  Josiah  Snelling,  Esq''*,  were 
chosen  Surveyors  of  Wheat. 

Mess^^.  John  Wells  and  Richard  Austin  were  chosen  Assay 
Masters 

The  Selectmen  were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Highways. 

Mess''^  Richard  Homer,  Francis  James  and  Samuel  Spragae 
were  chosen  Inspectors  of  Lime. 

Votes, — for  a  Treasurer  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  were  received 
by  the  Moderator  &  Town  Clerk,  [and]  sorted  and  counted  when 
it  appeared  that  the  whole  number  was  one  hundred  &  sixty  nine 
votes,  and  that  they  were  all  for  John  Winslow  Esq'^'. 

Voted,  That  Stephen  Codman,  Francis  J  Oliver  and  John 
Osborn  Esq*'*,  be,  and  they  are  hereby  appointed  a  Committee  to 
audit  the  accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer  and  also  those  of  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  the  Board  of  Health.  And  said  Com- 
mittee are  directed  to  report  the  sum  necessary  to  be  raised  for 
the  services  of  the  present  year. 


4  City  Document  No.  128.    , 

Voted,  That  the  Auditors  of  Accounts  for  the  Town  of  Boston- 
be  requested  to  take  into  consideration  the  finances  of  the  County 
of  Suffolk  and  Town  of  Boston,  to  obtain  from  their  respective 
Treasurers  the  amount  of  debts  due  from  the  County  and  Town 
either  to  Banks  or  individuals  —  Also  the  amount  of  debts  due  to 
said  County  &  Town  from  outstanding  taxes,  or  from  individuals 
or  any  other  accounts ;  also  to  obtain  the  amount  received  into 
the  Treasury  within  the  last  five  years  from  Justices  of  the  Peace 
&,  other  officers,  arising  from  fines  &  [5]  forfitures  for  breaches 
of  the  law  —  also  to  ascertain  the  amount  of  outstanding  Taxes 
arising  from  neglecting  to  collect  them  when  the  persons  were 
competent  to  the  payment,  as  stated  in  a  late  report  —  And  to 
consider  how  far  the  Bondsmen  are  answerable  for  the  deficiency 
of  such  receiver  &  Collector — and  to  report  on  the  same  at  May 
Meeting 

The  Thanks  of  the  Town  was  voted  to  the  Auditors  of 
Accounts  for  the  last  year. 

Voted  —  That  the  consideration  of  all  money  matters  be  re- 
ferred to  the  May  Meeting 

Voted  —  That  the  subject  in  the  Warrant  respecting  the  pas- 
sageway requested  by  the  New  South  Church  proprietors,  be 
committed  to  the  Selectmen,  with  full  powers  to  act  as  the  best 
interest  of  the  Town  may  require,  and  make  &  execute  such  con- 
veyances as  they  may  think  proper,  in  behalf  of  the  Town. 

Voted  —  That  the  Selectmen  be  empowered  to  sell  to  M'^.  David 
Greenough  &  his  associates  so  much  of  the  land  of  the  School 
lot  in  West  Street  as  in  their  opinion  will  not  be  injurious  to  the 
School  house,  and  on  such  terms  as  shall  appear  to  them  advan- 
tageous to  the  Town  —  and  that  they  be  empowered  to  make  a 
legal  conveyance  of  the  same. 

The  Petition  of  Deacon  Joseph  Field  was  committed  to  the 
Trustees  of  the  land  on  Boston  neck  to  consider  the  same  and 
report  thereon. 

Voted  —  That  the  Treasurer  be  directed  to  suspend  the  enforc- 
ing the  Collection  of  Dea".  Joseph  Fields  Bond  for  the  pi-esent. 

Voted  —  The  petition  for  a  bye  law  against  incumbering  the 
side  walks  of  the  Town,  was  referred  to  the  Selectmen  to  take 
the  same  into  consideration  &  report  thereon. 

[6.]  Voted  —That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the 
Hon'.  John  Phillips  Esq'',  for  his  services  as  Moderator  of  this 
Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting;  was  Dissolved. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1814.  5 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
of  twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upwards,  quaUfied  as  the  Con- 
stitution prescribes  and  legally  warned  in  publick  Town  Meeting 
assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  4}^.  day  of  April  A  D 
1814  — 9  O  Clock  AM. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev*^.  M''.  Lowell. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  or  Frame  of  Government  relative 
to  the  choice  of  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor  &  Senators,  read. 

Law  of  the  Commonwealth  dividing  the  State  into  Districts  for 
the  choice  of  Senators  &  Counsellors  —  read . 

It  was  then  declared  by  the  Selectmen,  that  no  printed  vote 
would  be  received,  &  that  the  votes  should  be  put  into  the  Box 
unfolded. 

It  was  afterwards  declared  that  the  Poll  should  be  closed  at  2 
O  Clock  —  and  the  Bells  to  begin  tolling  at  half  past  1  O'Clock. 

Persons  voted  for  as  Governour  with  the  number  of  Votes  for 

each  person  —  viz 

His  Excy.  Caleb  Strong 3557 

Hon^  Samuel  Dexter ._.  1557 

[7.]     Benj^.  Austin  2.     John  Holmes  1. 3 

W"\  Eustis  1.     Henry  Dearborn  1 2 

William  Sullivan 1 


5120 


Persons  voted  for  as  Lieutenant  Governor,  with  the  number  of 
votes  for  each  person  -  viz. 

His  Honour  William  Phillips 3570 

Hon^  William  Gray 1550 

Hon^'*'.  James  Lloyd 1 


5121 


Persons  voted  for  as  Senators  for  the  District  of  Suffolk,  with 
the  number  of  votes  for  each  Person  -  viz. 

Hon\  John  Phillips 3564 

Hon^  Israel  Thorndike 3550 

Hon^  Josiah  Quincy 3524 

Hon^.  Thomas  H.  Perkins     -     - 3554 

Hon\  Harrison  G.  Otis -     -     -  3544 

Hon'.  Daniel  Sargent 3548 

Samuel  Brown  Esq^'.    -     -     - 1523 


6  City  Document  No.  128. 

Russell  Sturgis  Esq'.  --------     1524 

Joo^.  L.  Austin  Esq"",       -------     1524 

William  Little  Esq^     --------     1520 

Caleb  Bingham  Esq''.  --     --     -     --     -     1524 

David  Townsencl  Esq'^.     -------     1520 

William  Spooner  Esq'. 4 

Samuel  Cobb  Esq'.       --------^ 

James  Lloyd  Esq'.      ....----|-        3 

Caleb  Loring  Esq'.       -- ) 

Joseph  Hall  Esq'. {        ^ 

Thomas  K.  Jones  Esq'.    -     -     -     1     -     -     -  J 

William  Sullivan  Esq'.     - ") 

Jesse  Putnam  Esq'.     -- | 

Tho^  L.  Winthrop  Esq'. V        1 

Stephen  Codman  Esq'. ] 

Joseph  E.  Smith  Esq'. j 

Attested  Copies  or  return  of  the  persons  voted  for  as  Gov- 
ernour,  Lieutenant  Governour  &  Senators  for  the  County  of  Suf- 
folk sealed  up  in  [8]  open  Town  Meeting,  after  the  vote  had 
been  declared,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Common- 
wealth as  prescribed  by  law;   and  directed  as  follows  —  viz. 

To  Alden  Bradford  Esq'.  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth. — 

Votes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  for  Governour  and  Lieutenant 
Governour,  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting. — Also  for  Six  Sen- 
ators for  the  District  of  Suffolk,  directed  in  the  same  manner. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


At  a  meeting  of  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
of  twenty-one  years  of  age  and  upwards,  qualified  as  the  Consti- 
tution prescribes  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  12**^.  day  of 
May  A  D  1814  —  9  o'clock  A  M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev*^.  M'.  Huntington. 

Warrant  calling  the  Meeting,  read  — 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  relating  to  the  choice  of  Repre- 
sentatives, and  the  law  of  the  Commonwealth  regulating  Elec- 
tions —  read 

The  return  of  the  Assistant  Assessors  signifying  that  the  major 
&  minor  Polls  of  this  Town  for  the  present  year  were  8275 
besides  51  that  were  in  the  United  States  Army,  being  also 
read. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1814.  7 

The  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  Rep- 
resentatives not  exceeding  thirty-seven. 

Votes  were  received  by  the  Selectmen  untill  one  O'Clock,  when 
they  declared  the  Poll  to  be  closed. 

[9.]  Upon  sorting  and  counting  the  votes  it  appeared  that 
the  whole  number  was  909  —  necessary  to  make  a  choice  455  — 
the  following  (thirty  six)  G-entlemen  had  a  Majority  of  the  votes 
—  and  were  declared  to  be  duly  elected  Representati^^s  for  the 
Town  the  ensuing  year.  Viz*. 

William  Smith  Nathaniel  Curtis 

James  Robinson  Richard  Faxon 

Jonathan  Hunnewell  Samuel  Dunn 

William  Sullivan  John  D.  Howard 

Stephen  Codman  Lynde  Walter 

Benjamin  Russell  Jonathan  Loring 

Charles  Davis  Jonathan  Whitney 

William  Hammatt  Samuel  J.  Prescott 

William  H.  Sumner  Lemuel  Shaw 

Ephraim  Thayer  Andrew  Sigourney 

Benjamin  Weld  Thomas  Barry 

Benjamin  Whitman  Wilham  Harris 

Oliver  Keating  Richard   Sullivan 

Nathan  Webb  Joseph  Pierce 

Daniel  Messenger  William  Brown 

George  G.  Lee  Benjamin  Gorham 

Sam^.  M.  Thayer  Thacher  Goddard  & 

George  Blanchard  Wilham  Sturgis 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[10.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  duly  qualified  and  legally  warned,  assembled  at  Faneuil 
Hall  on  Tuesday  the  24  day  of  May  A  D  1814  10  O'Clock.  A.  M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Stephen  Codman  Esq"",  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Auditors  of  Accounts  made  the  following  Report  —  viz. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  a  vote  of  the  Town  of  Boston  on 
the  14*'^  day  of  March  last,  to  audit  the  accounts  of  the  Town 
Treasurer;  and  for  other  purposes,  have   attended  that  service 


8  City  Document  No.  128. 

and  ask  leave  to  report  —  that  they  have  examined  the  enclosed 
account  of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esquire,  the  Town  Treasurer  & 
Collector ;  that  they  find  the  same  right  cast  and  well  vouched, 
that  there  remained  in  his  hands  on  the  7*^  day  of  May  instant  a 
balance  of  #19,162/^2^  belonging  to  the  Tawn. 

Your  Committee  in  further  discharge  of  their  duty  addressed  a 
Letter  to  the  standing  Committee  of  Finance,  who  they  conceived 
most  competent  to  give  them  such  information  on  the  general 
pecuniary  concerns  of  the  Town  as  would  enable  them  to  make 
such  a  report  as  the  Town  would  expect.  The  Committee  have 
received  a  written  communication  from  that  Committee  which  so 
fully  discribes  the  state  of  the  finances  and  other  concerns  of  the 
Town  and  County  that  your  Committee  think  proper  to  annex  the 
same  hereto,  which  they  beg  leave  to  offer  as  part  of  their  report 
—  viz. 

Second  annual  report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance. 

[11.]  The  Committee  of  Finance  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
composed  of  the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  Board  of 
Health  :  agreeably  to  the  powers  and  instructions  received  from 
the  Town,  have  examined  the  accounts  of  the  Treasurer  and  Col- 
lector for  the  past  year,  and  report  as  follows.  — 

They  have  been  gratified  to  find  such  a  system  of  order  and 
perspicuous  arrangement  in  the  Books  of  the  office,  as  render  the 
examination  &  intimate  knowledge  of  the  accounts  easy  &  con- 
venient. 

By  referring  to  the  Report  of  this  Committee  in  May  1813,  it 
will  be  found,  that  there  was  then  due  on  back  taxes  from  1804 
to  1812  inclusive  the  sum  of  $86361.74  — 

Since  which  has  been  received  as  follows. 

of  1804 - 80.81 

of  1805  179.11 

of  1806 -     -  299.80 

of  1807  518.90 

of  1808 -  473. 

of  1809 905.74 

of  1810  1167.73 

of  1811  - 1052.66 

of  1812 3858.18 

8535.93 

The  amount  of  taxes  abated  the  past  year    -     -     -  59245.63 

Leaves  Balance  uncollected 18580.18 


The  amount  of  taxes  assessed  in  1813  for  County 
and  Town  was    - 


1.74 


$152400.60 


Boston  Town  Records,  1814. 

of  which  has  been  received  to  May  7**^       .     _     . 
amount  of  errors  &  abatements 


Ballance  uncollected 


$141028.83 
9320.  9 

$150348.92 
2051.68 

$152400.60 


from  which  it  appears,  that  the  whole  tax  for  1813  has  [13] 
been  collected  or  settled  except  2000  Dollars,  between  the  18"\ 
day  of  October  and  the  7^^.  day  of  May,  a  period  short  of  7 
months  :  a  circumstance  Highly  creditable  to  the  Collector  and  to 
the  inhabitants  of  the  Town.  — 

The  following  is  a  statement  of  the  Towns  debts  ana  credits 


D^ 

State  Tax  1813      -  - 

County  D<^    -     -     -  - 
N.  E.  Insurance  offlc-e 

J.  Bradley  for  oil  -  - 

To  Bank       .     -     .  - 

Private  Notes    -     -  - 
on  Selectmens  df'^ 

on  Overseers  D°.    -  - 


Town  of  Boston 
$9500        By  Notes  of  several 
30125.34      persons  for  land, 
5500.      By  John  Brazer  suit 


13000. 
25500. 
16881.17 
649.58 
1372.23 


rec  ag"^.  him  -  - 
Commonwealth 
poor  -  -  - 
Cash  in  Treas- 
ury -     -     -     - 


102,528.32 
Selectmens  df^  May  -      7000. 
Unliquidated  Acc*^.     -    10000. 


$119528.32 


Estimating  the  debts  as  above  at    -     -     -  -     - 

and  adding  5000  dollars  to  the  same  to  cover  further 

unliquidated  balances  the  amount  will  be  -     -     - 

to  which  add  the  current  expences  of  the  year  -     - 


C 


7486.55 


6500. 


7000. 


19162.22 


$40148.77 


$120000 

125000 
82000 


$207000 


being  the  same  as  last   year  —  exhibits  the  sum  to   be  provided 
for  $207000  in  manner  following  — 

from  money  in  the  Treasury  &  debts  coming  due  this 
year 

from  Commonwealth  support  of  State  Poor    -     -     -     - 

Rents  p  estimate  of  last  year -- 

Town  Tax  same  as  last  year,  for  current  expences  -     - 


sum  necessary  to  discharge  the  balance  of  debt 


39000 
13000 
10000 
75000 

137000 
70000 


$207000 


10  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  Committee  have  deliberated  upon  the  most  elegible  mode 
of  discharging  the  above  balance  and  offer  the  following  as  the 
result. — They  find  [13]  that  the  whole  amount  of  State,  County 
&  Town  taxes  for  1813  was  $152,400  —  And  that  the  County  tax 
for  the  present  year  is  $14000  less,  than  in  the  last;  they  also 
find  that  the  County  debt  being  provided  for,  the  current  expenses 
of  the  County  will  not  require  a  larger  tax  in  future 

It  is  therefore  proposecl,  that  the  sum  of  $14000  dollars  should 
be  raised  in  addition  to  the  amount  for  current  Town  expences, 
and  be  appropriated  towards  the  discharge  of  the  Towns  debts  : 
and  that  the  same  amount  should  be  assessed  annually  until  the 
whole  shall  be  discharged,  which  will  be  effected  in  six  years, 
without  laying  on  the  [nhabitants  any  greater  burthen,  than  what 
they  have  borne  and  promptly  paid  during  the  past  year. 

But  as  some  of  the  Creditors  of  the  Town  may  be  urgent  for 
immediate  payment,  it  is  proposed,  that  the  Town  should  em- 
power the  Treasurer  to  borrow  of  Individuals  or  of  publick 
institutions,  such  sums  as  may  be  necessary  to  satisfy  the  pi'esent 
creditors.  And  that  the  Committee  of  Finance  be  directed  to  pay 
particular  attention,  that  the  sum  raised  for  the  gradual  discharge 
of  the  old  debts  be  strictly  appropriated  to  that  purpose. 

By  order  of  the  Committee 
May  21'*.  1814. —  Charles  Bulfinch,  Chairman 

Your  Committee  take  this  opportunity  to  add  their  testimony 
to  that  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  on  the  perfect  system  of 
order  and  clear  arrangement  in  the  Books  and  Accounts  of  the 
Treasurer  and  Collector,  and  for  the  unexampled  promptness, 
with  which  he  has  collected  nearly  the  whole  of  the  last  years 
taxes,  and  of  so  large  a  portion  of  the  outstanding  taxes,  which 
circumstance  does  great  honour  to  the  talents  &  integrity  of  that 
officer. — 

[14.]  Your  Committee  also  requested  the  County  Treasurer 
to  give  them  such  information  from  his  office  as  would  enable 
them  to  satisfy  the  Town  as  to  the  finances  of  the  County,  and 
they  received  from  him  every  satisfaction  they  could  expect. — 
The  Committee  of  Finance  in  their  report  have  taken  notice  of 
part  of  the  result  of  those  enquiries,  and  your  Committee  have 
to  add,  that  the  County  Treasurer  stated  to  them  that  there  were 
no  books  in  the  Office  by  which  he  could  ascertain  the  amount  of 
fines  and  forfeitures  received  from  Justices  of  the  Peace  for 
breaches  of  law  within  the  last  five  years,  but  that  since  the 
present  Treasurer  had  been  in  office  had  received  as  follows 

from  several  Justices     -     -     - 1161.64 

from  Shubael  Bell  received  by  him  for  persons 

committed 493.35 

and  that  these  sums  had  been  paid  over  to  the  Treasurer  of  the 
Commonwealth  agreeable  to  law. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1814,  11 

It  also  appears  that  in  1813.  there  was  paid  to  the  Justices  of 
the  Peace  for  criminal  suits  before  them  the  sum  of  $3303.92  of 
this  sum  (for  all  suits  carried  to  the  Courts  by  appeal  or  recog- 
nizance) was  repaid  by  the  Commonwealth  $1700  —  Left  a 
balance  of  Loss  to  the  County  of  1603  dollars. 

With  regard  to  that  part  of  the  duty  of  your  Committee  "  to 
ascertain  the  amount  of  outstanding  taxes  arising  from  neglect- 
ing to  collect  them  when  the  persons  were  competent  to  the  pay- 
ment as  stated  in  a  late  report."  That  report  fully  states  the 
amount,  but  whether  any  neglect  to  collect  them  when  persons 
were  competent  to  the  payment  took  place  or  not,  the  Committee 
have  no  means  of  [15]  ascertainiug  —  And  the  question  "how 
far  the  Bondsmen  are  answerable  for  the  deficiency  of  such 
Receiver  &  Collector  "  is  a  legal  question  which  your  Committee 
do  not  feel  themselves  competent  to  determine.  — 
All  which  is  submitted 

Stephen  Codman  ) 
Francis  J.  Oliver  v  Committee 
John  Osborn         ) 
Boston  May  23.  1814. 

-  The  foregoing  Reports  of  the  Auditors  of  accounts  &  Com- 
mittee of  Finance  were  read,  considered  &  accepted  by  the 
Town  —  and  ordered  that  the  report  of  the  Committee  of 
Finance  be  published. 

The  Committee  of  Finance  having  examined  the  accounts  and 
proceedings  of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq"".  Treasurer  &  Collector  of 
the  Town  of  Boston,  as  it  respects  both  of  said  important  offices, 
&  are  happy  to  state. 

That  they  find  the  Treasurer  and  Collector  has  executed  the 
duties  of  said  offices  with  great  ability  and  faithfulness,  as  will 
appear  from  the  statements  accompanying  the  report  of  the 
Auditors. 

The  Town  of  Boston  will  therefore  feel,  that  a  Compensation 
for  services  rendered,  so  essential  to  their  interests,  becomes  a 
duty,  which  will  give  them  pleasure  to  execute. 

The  Committee  would  state,  that  they  find  said  Treasurer  & 
Collector  has  expended  the  sum  of  one  thousand,  eighty  three 
dollars  33  cents  for  necessary  Clerk  hire  in  his  said  offices,  from 
the  first  day  of  July  1813  to  the  1^*.  day  of  June  1814  and  the 
sum  of  ninety  two  dollars  15  Cents  expences  attending  [16]  the 
delivery  of  Bills  &  summonses  to  delinquents,  for  which  no  com- 
pensation has  been,  or  can  be  by  him  received. 

This  expence  to  the  Treasurer  &  Collector  has  in  a  great 
measure  arisen  from  his  very  able  &  faithful  attention  to  the 
collection  and  settlement  of  such  back  taxes  as  became  due, 
before  he  was  appointed  to  said  offices. 

The  Committee  would  therefore  report — That  there  be  allowed 
to  the  said  Andrew  Sigourney  Esquire  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the 
said  Town  of  Boston,  the  sum  of  eleven  hundred   seventy  five 


12  City  Document  No.  128. 

dollars,  forty  five  cents,  the  same  being  the  amount  of  the  sums 
aforesaid  by  him  expended  in  said  offices,  as  Treasurer  &  Collec- 
tor, for  said  Town,  on  their  account,  up  to  said  first  day  of  June 
1814  —  And  considering  that  the  sum  of  one  liundred  &  forty 
thousand  dollars,  taxes,  have  been  received  and  paid  the  past 
year ;  and  eight  thousand  five  hundred  dollars  back  taxes  have 
been  collected  —  and  Fifty  nine  thousand  dollars  have  been  set- 
tled by  abatements,  all  of  which  the  said  Treasurer  &  Collector 
has  attended  to,  with  that  accuracy  and  faithfulness,  which  have 
characterized  all  his  proceedings  —  The  Committee  whould  fur- 
ther report.  That  there  be  allowed  &  paid  to  Andrew  Sigourney 
Esquire  out  of  the  Treasury  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  the  further 
sum  of  Two  thousand  dollars^  in  full  for  his  services  as  Town 
Treasurer  &  Collector  of  Taxes  for  the  year  ending  the  first  day 
of  July  next.  — All  which  is  respectfully  submitted,  by  order  of 
the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  &  Board  of  Health  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  said  Committee  of  Finance. 

Charles  Bulflnch,  Chairman. 
Boston,  May  24"^  1814. 

[17.]  The  foregoing  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  was 
read,  &  accepted  by  the  Town. 

Edward  Tuckerman  William  Hammatt 

William  Brown  Peter  O.  Thacher  and 

Joshua  Davis  Thomas  Dawes,  Esquires, 

were  chosen  Trustees  of  Neck  Lands. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  chosen  Inspectors  of  the  Market 
for  the  year  ensuing  —  viz.  : 


Gedney  King   Ward  No 

1 

John  P.  Thorndike 

Ward  No.  7 

John  D.  Howard      " 

2 

Caleb  Haywood 

8 

Turell  Tuttle              " 

3 

Isaac  P.  Simpson 

"         9 

Samuel  Hichborn      " 

4 

Joseph  Allen 

"       10 

Turell  Tuttle,  jun^    " 

5 

John  Roulston 

"       11 

George  W.  Otis        " 

6 

Samuel  Sprague 

"       12 

Neddy  Curtis  and 
Abel  Hewins, 
were  chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  South  Boston. 

Rom  anus  Emmerson, 
was  chosen  Hayward  and  Pound  Keeper. 

Samuel  Holmes  and 
Elisha  Copeland, 
were  chosen  Tythingmen  for  the  year  ensuing, 


Boston  Town  Recokds,  1814.  18 

The  Petition  of  M^  William  Bigelow,  late  Master  of  the  Latin 
School  was  committed  to 

Benjamin  Whitman, 
[18.]     Benjamin  Russell, 
Lemuel  Shaw, 
William  Mackay  and 
William  Sullivan,  Esquires, 
to  consider  this  and  report  at  the  next  adjournment. 

The  Trustees  of  lands  upon  the  Neck,  to  whom  was  referred 
the  Petition  of  Joseph  Field  Esq'".,  having  attended  to  the  sub- 
ject, having  heard  and  considered  the  statement  of  the  petitioner, 
and  by  a  part  of  their  body  viewed  the  premises,  now  ask  leave 
respectfully  to  report,  that  in  their  opinion,  the  petitioner  has  no 
legal  claim  against  the  Town  arising  from  any  injury  which  he  may 
be  supposed  to  have  sustained  from  the  alteration  in  the  scite  of 
the  burying  ground  upon  the  neck,  inasmuch  as  their  was  never 
any  stipulation  or  engagement  restricting  the  town  from  making 
such  alteration  if  the  publick  good  should  render  it  necessary. 
The  trustees  further  consider  that,  the  house  of  the  petitioner 
being  protected  in  front  by  a  high  fence  &  by  a  row  of  trees, 
very  little  inconvenience  can  arise  or  be  felt  by  him,  or  by  those 
who  occupy  the  same,  from  the  funeral  processions,  which 
occasionally  enter  the  burying  ground ;  and  that  any  inconve- 
nience which  may  arise  from  this  cause  is  more  than  compensated 
by  the  advantage  which  will  result  to  the  estate  from  the 
land  in  front  of  the  house  being  forever  kept  open.  It  further 
appeared  upon  enquiry,  that  the  rent  of  this  estate  had  not  sus- 
tained a  greater  depression,  than  that  of  other  estates  in  the 
vicinity  —  The  Trustees  are  therefore  of  opinion  that  the  peti- 
tioner is  not  entitled  in  law  or  in  equity  to  [19]  compensation 
from  the  town  according  to  the  prayer  of  his  petition. 
All  which  is  submitted. 

By  order  of  the  Trustees 

Ch®.  Bulfineh,  Chairman. 
Boston  May  24^^.  1814. 

The  foregoing  report  on  the  petition  of  Joseph  Field  Esq'",  was 
read  and  accepted. 

Voted,  that  the  sum  of  two  hundred  dollars  be  appropriated  for 
the  African  school  the  present  year. 

Voted,  that  the  sum  of  Seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  be 
allowed  and  paid  unto  Hon''^®.  Thomas  Dawes  Esq'',  for  his  Salary 
as  Judge  of  the  Municipal  Court  the  ensuing  year. 

Voted  —  that  the  sum  of  One  thousand  dollars  be  allowed  & 
paid  unto  Thomas  Clark,  Town  Clerk,  as  his  salary  for  the  year 
ensuing. 


14  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted  —  that  the  sum  of  Eight  hundred  &  sixteen  dollars  be 
allowed  &  paid  to  each  of  three  assessors  for  their  services  the 
present  year. 

Voted  —  that 

Stephen  Codman 

Thomas  W.  Sumner 

William  Sullivan 

Abraham  W.  Fuller  and 

W"\  H.  Sumner  Esq'^ 
be  a  Committee  to  take  into  consideration   the   subject   of   the 
delinquincy  of  the  late  Treasurer  &  Collector  of  Boston  and  re- 
port on  the  expediency  of  commencing  a  prosecution  against  said 
Collector  or  his  Bondsmen. 

[30.]  Upon  the  representation  and  exhibition  of  the  doings 
and  proceedings  of  Andrew  Sigonrney  Esq"^.  Treasurer  and  Col- 
lector of  taxes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  the  last  year. 

Voted  —  that  the  Town  of  Boston  highly  approve  of  the  con- 
duct of  said  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq'',  in  the  said  offices  of  Treas- 
urer &  Collector,  and  that  he  has  faithfully  and  fully  as  was  in 
his  power  completed  the  execution  of  his  duty  in  said  offices  to 
which  he  has  been  appointed  as  aforesaid,  and  that  he  be  excused 
from  all  delinquincy  or  default  in  not  having  effected  the  full  and 
complete  settlement  of  the  Taxes  by  him  to  have  been  received 
or  collected  according  to  law. 

The  following  Bye  law  was  passed  by  the  Town  and  ordered 
to  be  laid  before  the  Court  of  Sessions  for  confirmation. 

It  is  hereby  ordered  that  no  person  shall  hereafter  saw  any  fire 
wood,  or  pile  the  same,  upon  the  foot  walks  of  any  of  the 
Streets,  or  lanes  of  this  Town ;  and  that  no  person  shall  stand 
on  any  such  footwalk,  with  wood  saw  or  horse,  to  the  hindrance 
or  obstruction  of  any  foot  passenger,  under  a  penalty  of  one 
dollar  for  each  and  every  of  said  offences. 

And  it  is  hereby  ordered,  that  no  person  shall  throw  or  cause 
to  be  thrown,  any  snow  from  the  top  of  any  house  into  the  street, 
after  the  hour  of  nine  O'Clock  in  the  forenoon  ;  and  every  person 
who  shall  throw  or  cause  to  be  thrown  any  snow  from  the  roof  of 
any  building,  shall  have  the  same  removed  from  the  footwalk  and 
spread  evenly  in  the  [21]  Street.  And  every  person  who  shall 
offend  in  either  of  these  respects  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum 
of  two  dollars  for  each  and  every  offence. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  the  first  day  of  August  next  — 
10  O'clock  A.M. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1814.  15 

At  a  Convention  of  the  Boards  of  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  and  Board  of  Health,  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  held  in 
Faneuil  Hall  on  the  22^  day  of  June  A  D  1814-5  0 'Clock  P.M. 

Charles  Bulfinch  Esq''.  Chairman. 

The  Law  of  the  Commonwealth  requiring  a  Majority  of  each 
Board  to  be  present  at  the  Election  of  Town  Treasurer  &  Col- 
lector of  taxes ;  and  their  not  being  a  Majority  of  the  Members 
of  the  Overseers  &  Board  of  Health  present  —  The  Convention 
was  adjourned  to  Monday  next  the  27  Instant  —  to  meet  at 
4  O'clock  P.  M. 

Monday  June  27^^.  1814.  — 
The  Convention  met  according  to  adjournment. 

Present  a  Majority  of  each  Board. — 

Voted  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer  for  the 
year  ensuing  &  that  Major  Tilden  and  CoP.  Robinson  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  collect  sort  &  count  the  votes. 

The  Committee  reported  that  the  whole  [33]  number  of  votes 
were  23  and  that  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq'^'.  was  unanimously 
chosen. 

The  Convention  then  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  Collector  of 
taxes  —  and  Andrew  Sigourney  Esquire  was  declared  to  be 
unanimously  elected. 

M''.  Sigourney  appeared  before  the  Convention  —  declared  his 
acceptance  of  the  offices  of  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector  of  taxes 
for  the  year  ensuing  —  and  proposed  George  Blanchard  &  Benja- 
min Weld  Esquires  as  his  Bondsmen. 

Mess".  Hunnewell,  Webster  &  Whitman,  were  appointed 
a  Committee  to  consider  the  responsibihty  of  the  Gentlemen 
offered  by  M'.  Sigourney  as  his  Bondsmen. 

The  Committee  reported  as  their  opinion,  that  the  sureties 
offered  by  M"".  Sigourney  were  ample  &  sufficient  —  which 
report  was  accepted  —  And  the  same  Committee  were  directed  to 
take  bonds  of  M''.  Sigourney  in  the  sum  of  twenty  thousand  dol- 
lars as  Treasurer,  and  the  further  sum  of  twenty  thousand  dollars 
as  Collector  of  taxes  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Then  the  Convention  was  Dissolved. 


[33.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabit- 
ants of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  4*^^ 
day  of  July  A.  D.  1814  —  9  O'Clock  A.  M. 


16  City  Document  No.  128.  . 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Thomas  Clark  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  last  year  to  make  choice  of  a 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  Anniversary  of  Indepen- 
dence —  Reported  —  that  they  had  chosen  Benjamin  Whitwell 
Esquire  —  who  has  accepted  the  appointment. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  old  South  Church  —  12  O'Clock. — 

Met  at  the  Old  South  Church  where  the  Oration  was  delivered 
by  Benjamin  Whitwell  Esquire  to  commemorate  the  Independence 
of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Voted — That  the  Selectmen  be,  and  hereby  are  appointed  a 
Committee  to  wait  on  Benjamin  Whitwell,  Esq^.  in  the  name  of 
the  Town,  &  thank  him  for  the  elegant  and  spirited  Oration  this 
day  delivered  by  him  at  the  request  of  the  Town,  upon  the  anni- 
versary of  American  Independence,  in  which  were  considered 
the  feelings,  manners  and  principles,  which  produced  the  great 
national  event,  and  the  important  &  happy  effects,  general  and 
domestic,  which  have  already,  or  will  forever  flow  from  that 
auspicious  epoch  ;   and  to  request  of  him  a  copy  for  the  press.  — 

[34.]  Voted  —  That  the  Gentlemen  Selectmen  be,  and  hereby 
are  appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  some  able  &  learned  Gen- 
tleman to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  4*^.  day  of  July  1815  —  That 
day  being  the  Anniversary  of  the  Independence  of  the  United 
States  of  America ;  wherein  the  Orator  is  to  consider,  the  feel- 
ings, manners,  and  principles  which  led  to  this  great  national 
event,  as  well  as  the  important  and  happy  effects,  whether  general 
or  dcmestic,  which  have  already,  or  will  forever  flow  from  that 
auspicious  Epoch. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  on 
Monday  the  1^*.  day  of  August  A  D  1814,  held  by  Adjournment 
from  the  24*^^  day  of  May  —  At  Faneuil  Hall  —  10  O'Clock 
A  M.— 

Stephen  Codman,  Esq"^. 
Moderator. 

On  motion — Voted,  that  this  Meeting  be  Adjourned  to  Monday 
the  fifth  day  of  September  next — then  to  meet  at  this  place  10 
O'clock,  A  M.— 

Adjourned  accordingly. — 


[35.]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Saturday  the  3'^.  day  of  September 
A  D  1814—10  O'clock  A.M. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1814.  17 

Hon^^®.  Thomas  Dawes,  Esquire  was  chosen  Moderator. 

This  Meeting  was  called  by  William  Wetmore,  Esquire,  a 
Justice  of  the  Peace  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  in  consequence  of 
the  following  petition — viz — 

To  the  Honourable  William  Wetmore  a  Justice  of  the  Peace 
for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

Respectfully  represent — The  Subscribers  being  more  than 
Ten  of  the  Freeholders  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  that  the  Selectmen 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  have  been  requested  in  writing  by  Ten  or 
more  of  the  Freeholders  of  said  Town  to  call  a  Town  meeting  for 
the  purpose  of  taking  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  pro- 
viding means  of  defence  in  the  present  exposed  and  dangerous 
situation  of  this  Towji  and  that  the  Selectmen  have  unreasonably 
defiied  to  call  a  meetiiig  upon  this  public  occasion;  Whereupon 
your  petitioners  request  your  honour  by  Warrant  under  your 
hand  &  Seal  directed  to  a  Constable  or  Constables  of  said  Town 
directing  him  or  them  to  notify  &  warn  the  Inhabitants  qualified 
to  vote  in  Town  affairs  to  assemble  at  such  time  &  place  in  said 
Town  as  your  Honour  shall  in  said  Warrant  direct  and  for  the 
Purpose  in  said  warrant  expressed. — 

Monday  Aug^  29.  1814 — signed  Winslow  Lewis  &  sixty-two 
other  Citizens. — 

[36.]     Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts 
Suffolk  ss 

To  the  Constables  of  the  Town  of  Boston  in  the  said  County 
and  to  any  of  them  —  Greeting 

Whereas  it  has  been  represented  in  writing  to  me,  one 
of  the  Justices  of  the  peace  in  &  for  the  said  County,  that 
the  Selectmen  of  Boston  aforesaid,  unreasonably  deny  to  call  a 
meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  said  town  being  upon  a  publick 
occasion,  to  take  into  consideration  "  the  expediency  of  provid- 
ing means  of  defence  in  the  present  exposed  &  dangerous  situa- 
tion of  the  said  town  "  ;  which  representation  is  signed  by  more 
than  Ten  of  the  Inhabitants  &  freeholders  of  said  town,  and  is 
hereunto  annexed. 

Now  yon  the  said  Constables  are  hereby  required  in  the  name 
of  the  said  Commonwealth,  to  notify  and  warn  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  said  town,  qualified  to  vote  in  town  affairs  to  assemble  at 
Faneuil  Hall  in  said  town  on  Saturday  the  third  day  of  Septem- 
ber next,  at  ten  o' Clock  in  the  forenoon  then  &  there  to  take  into 
consideration  the  subject  of  said  representation  &  petition,  and 
to  adopt  such  measures  as  they  may  deem  expedient  in  the 
premises.  Given  under  my  hand  &  seal  at  Boston  aforesaid  the 
twenty  ninth  day  of  August  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand 
Eight  hundred  &  fourteen. 

W".  Wetmore. 

The  Inhabitants  were  legally  warned  by 

Walter  Crosby  Constable. — 


[seal] 


18  City  Document  No.  128.   . 

[37.]     The   proceedings   of  the   Selectmen   upon   the  above 
petition,  taken  from  the  minutes  is  as  follows,  viz. 
Town  of  Boston 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Selectmen,  August  24"\  1814, 

A  Petition  was  presented,  signed  by  a  number  of  the  Inhabit- 
ants, requesting  that  a  Town  meeting  should  be  called  forthwith, 
to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  providing  for  the 
immediate  defence  of  the  Town  and  Harbour. — 

The  subject  having  been  considered,  it  was  voted,  that  we  do 
not  think  it  expedient  to  call  a  meeting  of  the  town  for  the  pur- 
poses expressed  in  the  Petition ;  and  Ordered,  that  the  following 
reasons  of  our  opinions  be  entered  on  the  Records  of  the  Board,  viz. 

la  the  present  unhappy  circumstances  of  our  country,  the 
Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Boston  feel  the  fullest  confidence  in 
the  wisdom,  patriotism  and  prudence  of  his  Excellency  the  Com- 
mander in  Chief,  and  in  the  watchful  care  &  attention  of  the 
Commissioners  appointed  by  him  for  the  defences  of  the  State. 

Especially  we  are  sensible  of  the  correctness  of  their  views  in 
the  dispositions  made  for  the  defence  of  this  Town ;  which  have 
been  communicated  to  the  Board  by  said  Commissioners  in  sev- 
eral conferences  with  them,  &  in  their  letter  to  the  Board  of  30 
June  [38]  last ;  under  the  conviction  we  feel  it  our  duty  to  rely, 
with  perfect  confidence,  on  our  Rulers ;  and  not  by  calling  a 
meeting  of  the  Inhabitants,  to  excite  alarm ;  and  in  the  presence 
of  the  Grovernour  and  Council,  and  of  the  Commissioners  of 
known  military  experience,  to  interfere  with  their  duties,  or 
imply  any  doubt  of  the  wisdom  of  their  measures. 
By  order  of  the  Selectmen 

Charles  Bulfinch  Chairman. 

The  Petition  and  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  having  been 
read 

The  following  Resolutions  were  (nearly)  unanimously  adopted 
by  the  Town,  viz. — 

Whereas,  in  the  progress  of  the  present  unhappy  war,  it  has 
become  manifest,  that  the  destruction  of  the  public  Ships  &  naval 
arsenals  in  the  various  ports  in  the  United  States  is  a  principal 
object  of  the  enemy,  &  therefore  this  Town  notwithstanding  its 
uniform  disapprobation  of  the  measures  which  led  to  this  calam- 
ity, &  its  endeavours  to  avert  it,  may  be  exposed  to  danger  from 
an  enterprise  against  the  ships  of  War,  which  are  now  lying  in 
our  port,  without  any  adequate  means  of  protection  &  defence 
furnished  by  the  National  Government ;  and, 

Whei'eas,  we  entertain  a  full  confidence  that  the  Executive 
Grovernment  of  this  Commonwealth  has  been  &  still  is  occupied 
in  preparing  all  the  means  &  resources,  which  are  at  its  disposal, 
for  defending  this  port  &  Town,  from  an  invasion ;  [1391  and 
we  moreover  believe  that  the  brave  &  disciplined  militia  of  this 
and  the  neighbouring  Counties  which  are  ready  at  the   shortest 


Boston  Town  Records,  1814.  19 

notice  to  repair  to  any  point  of  attack,  will  present  to  an  invad- 
ing foe  a  superiority  in  number  to  any  force,  which  is  yet  known 
to  be  upon  our  coast ;  yet  as  in  times  of  great  &  eminent  danger, 
extraordinary  exertion  &  alacrity  become  the  duty  of  the  Citizen, 
&  it  may  be  acceptable  to  his  Excellency  the  Govex-nour  to 
receive  the  assurance  that  the  Citizens  of  Boston,  "in  the  times 
which  try  mens  souls,"  are  as  they  have  been  ready  to  aid,  by 
their  manual  labour  &  pecuniary  contributions,  and  by  all  the 
ways  &  means  in  their  power,  in  promoting  and  making  effectual 
any  measures  of  defence,  which  may  be  devised  by  the  proper 
authority ; 

Therefore  Resolved,  that  the  Citizens  of  this  Town  cherish  an 
undiminished  confidence  in  the  disposition  of  the  G-overnour  & 
Council  to  organize  and  hold  in  readiness,  for  the  defence  of  this 
town  &  its  vicinity,  a  competent  portion  of  the  force  under  his  com- 
mand, and  are  persuaded  that  such  measures  have  been  and  will 
be  adopted,  to  prepare  for  any  great  emergency,  as  will  justify 
the  reliance  placed  by  their  fellow  Citizens  upon  their  vigilance  & 
solicitude,  for  the  safety  &  honour  of  the  Commonwealth. — 

Resolved,  that  we  will  cheerfully  and  cordially  co-operate  with 
his  Excellency,  in  any  measures,  that  may  be  devised,  for  the 
defence  of  the  Capital,  in  which  our  services  may  be  useful ;  and, 
that  we  will  whenever  [30]  in  bis  opinion  the  occasion  may 
require,  make  prompt  and  effective  arrangements  for  the  employ- 
ment of  all  clases  of  our  Citizens,  in  the  construction  of  fortifica- 
tions or  other  means  of  defence,  and  for  obtaining  from  patriotic 
individuals  voluntary  loans  and  contributions  of  money  to  be 
applied  to  these  objects. 

Resolved,  that  while  we  deplore  the  evils  and  calamities  of  a 
war,  in  the  production  of  which,  we  were  in  no  wise  instrumental, 
we  are  not  dismayed  by  the  aspect  of  the  foice,  which  is  employed 
against  us,  nor  do  we  despair  of  our  Country.  "United  we 
stand  divided  we  fall"  and  we  are  strong  in  the  assurance,  that 
the  courage,  resources,  experience,  and  patriotism  of  our  Country, 
will  yet  surmount  the  Evils  and  the  Perils  which  surround  us,  and 
transmit  to  posterity,  our  Union  and  Liberties  strengthened  by  a 
recollection  of  Errors  and  dangers  and  a  disposition  to  learn 
Wisdom  from  misfortune. — 

Resolved,  that  the  Moderator  of  this  meeting  be  requested  to 
transmit  a  copy  of  these  resolutions,  certified  by  the  Town  Clerk, 
to  his  Excellency  the  Governour. — 

Then  the  Meetins;  was  Dissolved. 


[31.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Bos- 
ton held  (by  adjournment)  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  5*^  day 
of  September  A.  D.  1814  —  10  O'Clock  A  M. 

Stephen  Codman,  Esq"^. 
Moderator. — 


20  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Petition  of  M"". 
William  Biglow,  late  Master  of  the  latin  School  in  Boston, 
requesting  the  Town  of  Boston  to  make  him  a  grant,  on  account 
of  his  services  and  extra  labours  in  his  said  employment  as  mas- 
ter of  the  latin  School  in  said  Town  —  as  by  the  vote  of  said 
Town,  at  their  meeting  on  the  24:"\  of  May  last  appears. — 

Have  attended  that  service  and  ask  leave  to  report. 

That  in  consideration  of  the  high  price  of  almost  all  the  articles 
of  living  for  several  years  past,  and  at  the  time  said  Bigelow  has 
been  employed  a  schoolmaster  by  the  said  Town  —  The  great 
inconveniences  said  Bigelow  suffered  for  nearly  one  year,  while 
the  New  School  house  was  building  in  School  street,  at  which 
period  he  was  obliged  to  keep  his  said  School  in  places  extremely 
inconvenient,  and  also  was  deprived  of  any  advantages  from  his 
private  school,  which  came  in  aid  of  his  support — the  great 
exertions  made  by  said  Biglow,  to  accomplish  the  wishes  of  the 
Town,  in  perfecting  his  said  latin  School  as  appeared  to  this 
Committee,  from  the  Certificates  of  many  of  his  Ushers  in  said 
School  —  And  the  great  [32]  disappointment  to  said  Biglow,  in 
not  being  continued  in  his  said  employment  in  said  School,  by 
the  School  Committee  of  said  town,  and  also  the  low  compensa- 
tion to  said  Biglow  for  his  services  in  said  employment,  by  the 
said  Town  for  several  years  past  —  The  said  Committee  recom- 
mend to  the  said  town  of  Boston,  that  they  should  pass  the 
following  votes  &  order  —  viz.  Ordered  that  there  be  paid  out  of 
the  Treasury  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  M^  W™.  Biglow,  late 
master  of  the  latin  School  in  said  Town,  The  sum  of  five  hundred 
dollars,  which  sum,  with  what  he  has  heretofore  received,  is  to  be 
in  full  for  all  his  services,  as  master  of  the  latin  vSchool  in  said 
Town  of  Boston,  and  inconveniences  he  may  have  suffered  while 
in  said  employment. —  and  the  Treasurer  of  said  Town  is  hereby 
directed  to  pay  the  same  accordingly.  — 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted 

Benj.  Whitman,  per  Order. 
Boston  July  15«'.  1814. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  accepted  by  the  Town. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  of  Boston  at  a  legal 
Meeting  on  the  24"\  of  May  1811  to  take  into  consideration  the 
subject  of  the  delinquincy  of  their  late  Treasurer  and  Collector 
William  Smith  Esq'^.  and  report  on  the  expediency  of  Commencing 
a  prosecution  against  said  Collector  or  his  bondsmen,  [33]  have 
considered  the  important  business  assigned  them,  &  make  the 
following  report. — 

The  system  adopted  by  the  town  for  the  collection  of  their 
taxes  during  the  first  seven  years  that  M"".  Smith  was  in  office, 
was  found  to  be  so  defective,  that  a  considerable  loss,  was,  an- 
nually, inevitable.  — That  system  was  in  part  corrected  in  1810 
and  by  the  report  of  a  respectable  Committee  it  appears,  that 


Boston  Town  Records,  1814.  21 

they  attributed  the  delinquency  tlien^  to  the  imperfection  of  the 
system  and  not  to  the  neghgence  or  misconduct  of  the  Collec- 
tor. —  In  that  report  although  the  Committee  recommended  the 
enjoining  of  a  more  prompt  collection  of  the  taxes,  yet  they  also 
recommended,  that  the  Collectors  duties  should  be  performed  with 
as  much  discretion  and  lenity,  as  the  nature  &  urgency  of  the 
demands  would  permit.  The  Town  accepted  that  report,  and  by 
so  doing,  as  your  Committee  believe,  discharged  their  Collector, 
at  least  from  the  duty  of  distraining  or  prosecuting,  unless  in 
cases  where  there  was  a  reasonable  expectation  of  obtaining  the 
sums  due.  — 

Your  Committee  are  satisfied  that   the  Collector  conformed, 
according  to  the  best  of  his  judgement  to  the  spirit  of  the  report. 

By  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  finance  in  May  1814  it  ap- 
pears, that  there  was  over  from  outstanding  taxes  from  the  year 

1804  to  1813 $86,361.74 

[34]     of    which   sum  M''.  Smith") 

collected   before  he  left  the  of-  [- $6,765.81 

fice,  viz,  from  May  to  July  1813  ) 
And  the  present  Collector  had  col-  ) 

lected   of  that  sum  previous   to  >- $8,535.93 

May  1814 ) 

The  assessors  had  abated  for  causes  )  ^^^  .^„  „j, 

unknown  to  your  Committee  --j ' 

which    left    a   balance   outstanding    &    unabated  in 

May   1814 18,580.18 

of  this  sum  a  part  has  been,  &  probably  more  will  be  collected ; 
but  what  proportion  will  be  ultimately  lost  by  the  Town,  cannot 
be  now  known  to  the  Committee. 

A  considerable  part  of  this  sum  was,  in  the  opinion  of  the 
Committee  assessed  on  persons  who  ought  not  to  have  been 
taxed  ;  or  on  persons  who  could  not  be  found  when  the  tax  bills 
were  given  to  the  Collector ;  and  although  some  loss  may  be  sus- 
tained in  consequence  of  the  lenity  of  the  Collector,  exercised  in 
virtue  of  the  aforesaid  accepted  report,  the  Committee  do  not  be- 
lieve that  it  will  be  very  great.  —  If  the  Collector  did  the  best  in 
his  power  to  collect  the  taxes,  &  honestly  used  the  discretion 
delegated  to  him  by  the  Town,  whatever  loss  may  have  happened 
ought  to  be  borne  by  the  town  and  not  by  the  Collector  or  his 
bondsmen. 

It  appears  by  the  reports  of  the  annual  Committees  (which  re- 
ports have  been  accepted  by  the  town)  that  the  late  Treasurer 
and  Collector  [35]  has  faithfully  paid  over  all  the  money  he 
had  collected ;  and  as  the  situation  of  the  outstanding  taxes  was 
always  stated  in  those  reports,  your  Committee  think  that  the 
annual  re-election  of  the  same  officer,  was  an  implied  approbation 
of  his  conduct. — Upon  consideration  of  all  these  circumstances, 
and  also  that  the  tax  books  at  the  time  of  the  appointment  of  a 
new  Collector  were  taken  out  of  the  hands  of  the  late  Collector, 


22  City  Document  No.  128.  • 

whereby  he  was  deprived  of  all  controul  over  the  taxes,  it  is  the 
opinion  of  the  Committee  that  the  loss  sustained  by  the  town 
cannot  be  imputed  to  the  personal  negligence  or  misconduct  of 
the  Collector,  and  that  it  is  not  expedient  to  institute  any  pros- 
ecution against  the  said  Smith  or  his  sureties  upon  the  bonds 
given  to  the  Town. — The  Committee  have  not  taken  into  view 
the  amount  of  taxes  which  have  been  abated  by  the  assessors, 
viz.,  152,479.82,  because  in  abating  this  amount  the  assessors 
exercised  a  power  vested  in  them,  and  not  subject  to  the  control 
of  the  late  Collector.  —  And  the  Committee  suppose  that  abate- 
ments would  not  have  been  made  excepting  where  taxes  had  been 
assessed  on  persons  not  liable  to  taxation,  or  on  persons  who 
were  unable  to  pay.  And  the  Committee  have  therefore  limited 
their  investigation  to  the  sum  not  outstanding  and  unabated 
viz.  $18,580.18  —  All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 
Boston  August  1814. 

Step.  Codman 
W".  Sullivan 
W.  H.  Sumner 
Ab™.  W.  Fuller 
Tho.  W.  Sumner 

[36.]  The  foregoing  Report  was  read,  considered  and 
accepted  by  the  Town. 

Voted,  that  in  order  to  carry  into  effect  the  recommendations 
of  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  finance,  accepted  by  the 
Town,  at  the  meetuig  on  the  24***.  day  of  May  last.  That  the 
Treasurer  be  empowered  to  borrow  of  individuals  or  of  public 
institutions,  a  sum  not  exceeding  Seventy  thousand  Dollars,  to 
discharge  the  outstanding  debts  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  that  William  Smith,  William  Phillips,  Bedford  Web- 
ster, Thomas  Perkins,  Samuel  Snelling  Ozias  Goodwin,  William 
Mackay,  Joseph  Coolidge,  j"^  Joseph  Richards,  Bryant  P.  Til- 
den,  Ephraim  Eliot  and  Jonathan  Phillips  Esquires,  chosen  by 
the  Town  Overseers  of  the  Poor  in  March  last,  be  empowered  to 
Act  as  Overseers  of  the  work  house  &  house  of  Correction  in 
this  Town  ;  with  all  the  power  conferred  on  Overseers  by  the 
laws  of  this  Commonwealth  passed  March  1788,  entitled  "an 
Act  for  suppressing  and  punishing  Rogues,  Vagabonds,  common 
Begars,  and  other  idle,  disorderly  &  lewd  persons"  and  also  by 
another  law  passed  January  1789,  entitled  an  Act  for  erecting 
work  houses,  for  the  reception  and  employment  of  the  idle  and 
indigent. 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Mod- 
erator, for  his  services  at  this  Meeting 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  23 

[37,]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  duly  qualified  to  vote  for  Representatives  in  the  Gen- 
eral  Court  of  this  Commonwealth,  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday 
the  7*^.  day  of  November  A  D  1814  —  10  O'Clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  Rev*^.  Docf.  Lathrop. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Paragraphs  of  a  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  for  choosing 
one  Representative  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States  for  the 
District  of  Suffolk  —  read 

The  Inhabitants  were  informed  that  the  Poll  would  be  closed  at 
half  past  10  O'Clock. 

Persons  voted  for  as  Representative  for  the  Suffolk  District  in 
this  Commonwealth  in  the  next  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
viz, 

Hon^  Artemus  Ward  Esq"".     -     -     -     -     1112 
Daniel  Sargent  Esq'.     -     -     -     -  1 

Andrew  Richie  Esq''.    -     -     -     -  2 

Joseph  P.  Bradlee 1 

James  T.  Austin 1 

W"\  H.  Sumner  Esq*.  -     -     -     -  1 


1118.— 
And  declaration  made   thereof  by  the   Selectmen   in  Publick 
Town  Meeting 

A  return  of  the  doings  of  this  Meeting  was  made  out  (con- 
formable to  the  printed  direction  of  the  General  Court)  and 
forwarded  by  the  Town  Clerk  to  the  Office  of  the  Secretary  of 
the  Commonwealth,  as  the  Law  directs. — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


1815. 

[38.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  qualified  as  the  law  directs,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Mon- 
day the  13"\  day  of  March  A  D  1815  — 10  O'Clock  A.  M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev*^.  Docf.  Baldwin  — 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read 

Law  respecting  the  Election  of  Town  officers  —  read.  — 


24  City  Document  No.  128. 

Hon^  John  Phillips  Esq^'.  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Thomas  Clark  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  year  ensuing 
and  the  oath  of  office  was  administered  to  him  by  the  Moderator. 

Jonathan  Hunnewell  Robert  Williams 

Joseph  Foster  Elisha  Ticknor 

Joseph  Lovering  Josiah  Bachelder 

Joseph  Austin  Joseph  Tilden  and 

Jacob  Hiler  Esq''^. 
were  chosen  Selectmen  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  next  10  O'Clock  A  M. 

[39.]     Thursday  March  16«\  1815. 
The  Town  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  Gentlemen  chosen  Selectmen  on  Monday  last  having 
declined  accepting  the  appointment  — 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  appointed  a  Committee,  at  the 
request  of  the  Moderator,  to  assist  him  in  receiving,  sorting  & 
counting  the  Votes  for  Selectmen  —  viz  — 

Arnold  Welles  Joseph  Coolidge  jun''. 

Nathan  Webb  John  Wood  and 

Benj"„  Smith  Andrew  Sigourney Esquires 
Beuj".  Russell 

The  Inhabitants  were  then  requested  to  bring  in  their  votes  for 
nine  Selectmen  for  the  year  ensuing  —  The  votes  being  received 
sorted  &  counted,  it  appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen  had 
a  majority  of  all  the  votes  given  in  &  were  declared  Elected  by 
the  Moderator,  viz. 

Charles  Bulfinch  Joseph  Lovering 

Ebenezer  Oliver  Joseph  Austin 

Jonathan  Hunnewell  Robert  Williams  and 

Joseph  Foster  Edmund  Hart  Esquires 

Benjamin  Weld 
Adjourned  tomorrow  morning  10  O'Clock. 

[40.]     Friday  March  11^^. 
Met  according  to  adjournment. 

Seven  of  the  Gentlemen  elected  Selectmen  appeared  &  took 
their  seats,  M"".  Lovering  &  M''.  Hart  were  absent 

M'.  Bulfinch  having  addressed  the  Moderator  &  declared 
acceptance  of  the  office  to  which  he  had  been  elected. —  The 
Moderator  administered  the  oath  to  him  &  the  six  other  Select- 
men   present  —  wereupon  it  was   moved  &    voted   unanimously, 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  25 

that  the  address  of  Charles  Bulfinch  Esq"".,  declaring  his  accept- 
ance as  a  member  of  the  Board  of  Selectmen  for  the  year  en- 
suing, &  prior  to  his  taking  the  oath  of  office,  be  published  in  all 
the  News  papers  printed  in  the  Town  of  Boston. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Nathan  Webb 
Esq"",  for  his  faithful  services  as  one  of  the  Selectmen  for  seven 
years  past. 

William  Smith  William  Mackay 

William  Phillips  Joseph  Coolidge  Jun"^. 

Redford  Webster  Joseph  Richards 

Thomas  Perkins  Jonathan  Phillips 

Sam^  Snelling  Samuel  May  and 

Ozias  Goodwin  Jacob  Hall  Esquires 

were  elected  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  aiid    Overseers  of   the    Work 

house  for  the  year  ensuing 

[41.]  Voted,  that  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Bry- 
ant P.  Tilden  &  Ephraim  Eliot  Esq^'®.,  for  their  faithful  services 
as  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  several  years  past. 

Thomas  Melvill  Samuel  M.  Thayer 

And^^.  Cunningham  Joseph  Tilden 

John  Winslow  Joseph  Austin 

Stephen  Codman  Joseph  Lovering 

Jonathan  Hunnewell  Benj'^.  Rich 

Daniel  Messenger  Gedney  King 

William  Sullivan  Francis  J  Oliver 

Benj^.  Smith  William  Harris 

Nath^  Curtis  John  D  Williams 

Edward  Cruft  John  Winslow  Jun"^. 

James  Phillips  Jonathan  Loring  and 

Nathan  Webb  John  Mackay  Esquires  — 
were  chosen  Firewards  for  the  year  ensuing. — 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Bryant  P. 
Tilden  and  George  Blanchard  Esquires  for  their  faithful  services 
as  Firewards  for  several  years  past. 

Voted,  That  in  Addition  to  the  Selectmen  twelve  [43]  persons 
shall  now  be  chosen  a /iScAoo^  Committee/  and  the  votes  being 
collected  it  appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen  — 
viz  — 

Rev*^.  Charles  Lowell  Charles  Davis 

Rev*^. ,  Horace  Holley  John  Heard  jun"^. 

Rev*^.  Samuel  Cary  Peter  O.  Thacher 

Doct'^.  Aaron  Dexter  William  Smith 

Doct"^.  Thomas  Welsh  Francis  J.  Oliver  and 

Docf^.  John  C.  Warren  William  Welles  Esquires 


26  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted,  That  the  abovenamed  Gentlemen  who  conjunctly  with 
the  Selectmen  are  termed  the  School  Committee,  be  and  hereby 
are  directed  to  carry  the  system  of  Education  adopted  by  the 
Town  into  operation  ;  and  that  said  Committee  be  also  authorized 
and  empowered  conjunctly  to  manage  &  regulate  the  Government 
of  the  Schools ;  and  to  execute  all  the  powers  relative  to  the 
Schools  &  School  Masters  which  the  Selectmen  or  such  Committees 
are  authorized  by  the  Laws  of  the  Commonwealth  or  by  votes  of 
the  Town  to  exercise. 

Mess''®.  Benjamin  White  Noah  Dogget 

John  Cogswell  Bradock  Loring 

William  Clouston  Thomas  Christie 

William  Ellison  William  Green 
Nath>.  Bradlee 

[43.]       Eleazer  Homer  Richard  Thayer 

Joseph  Stodder  Edw*^.  J.  Robbins 

Allen  Bowker  Henry  Blake 

William  Ellison  jun"".  Joseph  Tucker  and 

Nath^.  Glover  Moses  Ayres  Jun'. 
John  Howe  jun"". 

were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Boards  and  other  Lumber  for  the  year 

ensuing. 

Mess^^  Henry  Purkit  Nath^  Howe  and 

John  Smith  Benjamin  Clark 

were  chosen  cullers  of  Hoops  and  Staves. 

Mess''^  Thomas  Barbour  John  Smith 

Nath^.  Howe  Benj'^.  Owen 

Benj.  Clark  James  Brown 

Gershom  Spear  William  J.  Hammatt  and 

Charles  Pook  Thomas  Lambord 
John  Bannister 

were  chosen  cullers  of  Dry  Fish 

Mess^'®.  Benjamin  White 

Nathaniel  Bradlee  and 
William  Ellison 
were  chosen  Fence  Viewers. 

Mess".  Barney  Sloan,  Joseph  Champney,  Joseph  Selaway  & 
Samuel  Spear  (for  South  Boston)  were  chosen  Hogreeves  and 
Haywwards.  — 

[44.]  vSamuel  Emmons,  and 

James  Phillips  Esquires,  — 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Hemp. 

Edward  Tuckerman  and 
Josiah  Snelling  Esquires, 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Wheat. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  27 

Mess''^.  John  Wells  and 
Richard  Austin, 
were  Chosen  Assay  Masters 

The  Selectmen  were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Highway. 

Mess*^^.  Michael  Homer, 

Francis  James,  and 
Samuel  Sprague, 
were  chosen  Inspectors  of  Lime. 

Neddy  Curtis, 
chosen  Pound  Keeper.  — 

Votes  —  for  a  Treasurer  for  the  County  of  Suffolk  were  re- 
ceived by  the  Moderator  &  Town  Clerk ;  when  it  appeared  that 
there  were  one  hundred  &  forty-five  Votes  for  John  Winslow  Esq"". 

Voted,  That  Stephen  Codman,  Francis  J.  Oliver  &  John 
Osborn  Esquires  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to 
audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer,  and  also  those  of  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  &  Workhouse,  and  the  Board  of  Health. 
And  said  Committee  are  directed  to  report  the  sum  necessary  to 
be  raised  for  the  services  of  the  present  year. 

[45.]  Voted  —  That  the  consideration  of  all  Money  matters 
be  reffered  to  the  May  Meeting. 

Voted  —  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Hon^. 
John  Phillips  Esquire,  for  his  services  as  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  [nhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
of  twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upwards,  qualified  as  the  Con- 
stitution prescribes  &  legally  warned  &  Assembled  at  Faueuil 
Hall  on  Monday  the  3'^  day  of  April  A.  D.  1815.  9  O'Clock 
A.  M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev*^.  M^  C banning. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  or  Frame  of  Government, 
relative  to  the  choice  of  G-overnour,  Lietenant  Governour  & 
Senators  —  read.  — 

Law  of  the  Commonwealth  dividing  the  State  into  districts  for 
the  choice  of  Senators  &  Counsellors  —  read. 


28  City  Document  No.  12-8.       . 

[t  was  then  declared  by  the  Selectmen,  that  no  printed  vote 
would  be  received,  &  that  the  votes  should  be  put  into  the  Box 
unfolded. 

[t  was  afterwards  declared  that  the  Poll  should  be  closed  at 
2  OClock  and  that  the  Bells  to  begin  tolling  at  half  past 
One  O'clock. 

Persons  voted  for  as  Grovernour  with  the 
[46]  number  of  votes  for  each  person  —  viz 

His  Exc^.  Caleb  Strong 3135 

Hon\  Samuel  Dexter 1439 

John  Holmes  1.  Geo.  Cabot  1.    -     -     -  2 

Henry  Dearborn  1.  Enos  Cobb  2.   -     -  3 

4579 
Persons  voted  for  as  Lieutenant  Governour,  with  the  number  of 
votes  for  each  person  viz. — 

His  Honour  William  Phillips 3151 

Honi.  William  Gray 1427 

Joseph  B.  Varnum  Esq"^. 1 


4579 


Persons  voted  for  as  Senators  for  the  District  of  Suffolk,  with 

the  number  of  votes  for  each  person  viz. 

Honi.  John  Philhps 3157 

Honi.  Harrison  G.  Otis 3122 

Hon^.  Josiah  Quincy 3088 

Honi.  Thomas  H.  Perkins  -  -  -  -  3130 
Jonathan  Hunnewell  Esq'^.  -  -  -  -  3126 
Richard  Sullivan  Esq-".       -----     3135 

Samuel  Brown  Esq"^.     - 1396 

Russell  Sturgis  Esq^    ------     1392 

Wilham  Little 1388 

Jesse  Putnam 1386 

Thomas  K.  Jones 1403 

D^  William  Ingalls 1380 

Andrew  Ritchie  18.  Jos.  Hall  16. 
Caleb  Bingham  9.  Jon^.  Mason  5. 
James  Lloyd  5.  Sam^  Cobb  11. 
John  C.  Jones  5.  W"\  Sullivan  2. 
Benj.  Austin  2.  Horace  Holley  3. 
John  Wells  4.  Caleb  Loring  7. 
William  Parsons  2.  Ja^  Loring  2. 
Peter  C.  Brooks  2.     W".  Tudor  j'".  1. 

[47.]  Charles  Davis  1.  —  G.  Cabot  1. 

J.  T.  Austin  3.     Sylv^  Gray  1. 
David  Townsend  1.     B.  Russell  1. 
John  Tilden  1.     Benj,  Rand  1. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  29 

Artemus  Ward  1.     Tris  Barnard  1. 
Tho^  Baldwin  1.     Alex"".  H.  Everret  1. 
James  Prince  1.     W".  R.  Gray  1. 
Dani.  Sargent  1.     Will™.  Brown  1. 
Isr^  Thorndike  1.     Sam^  Everret  1. 
John  Lathrop  1.     Aaron  Hill  1. 
Josiah  Snelling  1.     Tim°.  Wiggin  1. — 

Attested  Copies  or  return  of  the  Persons  voted  for  as  Governour, 
Lieutenant  Governour,  and  Senators  for  the  District  of  Suifolk 
sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting  after  the  vote  had  been  declared, 
to  be  transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  as  pre- 
scribed by  Law,  &  directed  as  follows  —  viz, 

To  Alden  Bradford  Esq^ 

Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts. — 

Votes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  for  Governour  and  Lieutenant 
Governour,  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting. — 

Also  for  Six  Senators  for  the  District  of  Suffolk,  directed  in 
the  same  manner. — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[48.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  of  twenty  years  of  age  and  upwards,  qualified  as  the 
Constitution  prescribes,  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  18"^  day 
of  May  AD  1815  —  10  O'Clock  A.  M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev*^.  Docf.  Gardner. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  relating  to  the  choice  of  Repre- 
sentatives, &  the  Law  of  the  Commonwealth  regulating  Elections 
—  read. — 

The  return  of  the  Assistant  Assessors  signifying  that  the 
major  &  minor  polls  of  this  Town  were  8146  — being  also  read  — 
The  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  Repre- 
sentatives not  exceeding  Thirty  six 

Votes  were  received  by  the  Selectmen  untill  one  O'Clock,  when 
they  declared  the  Poll  to  be  closed. 

Upon  sorting  &  counting  the  votes  it  appeared  that  the  whole 
number  given  in  was  571  —  necessary  to  make  a  choice  286. 


30  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  following  thirty  six  Gentlemen  had  a  Majority  of  all  the 

votes,  and  were  declared  to  be  duly  elected  Representatives  for 
the  year  ensuing,  viz. 

Mess".  William  Smith  Stephen  Codman 

James  Robinson  Benjamin  Russell 

[49.]    Charles  Davis  Richard  Faxon 

Benjamin  Whitman  Henry  Sargent 

William  Hammatt  Thomas  Barry 

William  H.  Sumner  William  Harris,  Benj*. 

George  G.  Lee  Gorham 

Nathaniel  Curtis  Andrew  Ritchie  Jun''. 

Thacher  Goddard  "  John  Howe  of  Ward 

Samuel  Dunn  N°.  12. 

John  D.  Howard  John  Bellows 

Lynde  Walter  Israel  Thorndike  Jun''. 

Jonathan  Loring  Josiah  Bachelder 

Jonathan  Whitney  Benjamin  West,  W"*.  Sturgis 

Joseph  Pierce  WilUam  Tudor  jun"^. 

Samuel  J.  Prescott  George  Sullivan 

Andrew  Sigourney  Charles  P.  Phelps  and 

Ephraim  Thayer  Nathan  Appleton 

Then  the  Meetino-  was  Dissolved. 


[50.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  duly  qualified  &  legally  warned  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on 
Monday  the  29'^  day  of  May  A  D  1815  —  10  O'Clock  A.  M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Benjamin  Weld,  Esquire 
chosen  Moderator. 

Edward  Tuckerman 
Joshua  Davis 
William  Hammatt 
Peter  O.  Thacher 
Thomas  Dawes  and 
William  Dall  Esquires, 
were  chosen  Trustees  of  Neck  lands. 

Neddy  Curtis,  was  chosen  a  Hogreeve  for  South  Boston  the 
year  ensuing. 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen  Inspectors  of  the  Markets 
for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Thomas  Badger    -     -     -     Ward  N°.  1 
Samuel  Hiehborn       -     -         "  2 

Turrell  Tuttle  -     -     -     -         "  3 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  31 


Enoch  Patterson  -     -     .     Wa 

rd  N°.  4 

William  Tileston  -     -     -          ' 

5 

George  W.  Otis    -     -     -          ' 

'            6 

John  P.  Thornclike     -     -          ' 

'            7 

Caleb  Hay  ward     -     -     -         ' 
Isaac  P.  Simpson      -     -          ' 
Joseph  Allen  -     -     -     .         ' 
John  Roulston      -     -     -         ' 

'            8 

9 

10 

'           11 

Samuel  Sprague   -     -     -         ' 

12 

The  Committee  of  Finance  made  a  Report  which  was  read  and 
ordered  to  be  printed,  &  the  further  consideration  of  the  same 
referred  to  the  12  June  next. — 

[51.]  The  Article  in  the  Warrant  respecting  Tythingmen  was 
referred  to  next  March  Meeting. 

Upon  the  representation  &  exhibition  of  the  doings  and  pro- 
ceedings of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esquire  Treasurer  &  Collector  of 
Taxes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  the  last  year. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  of  Boston  highly  approve  of  the  con- 
duct of  said  Andrew  Sigourney  Esquire  in  the  said  offices  of 
Treasurer  &  Collector,  and  that  he  has  faithfully  &  fully  as  was 
in  his  power  completed  the  execution  of  his  duty  in  said  offices  to 
which  he  has  been  appointed  as  aforesaid,  and  that  he  be  excused 
from  all  delinquincy  or  default  in  not  having  effected  the  full  & 
complete  settlement  of  the  taxes  by  him  to  have  been  received  or 
collected  according  to  Law. — 

Voted  —  That  the  Selectmen  be,  and  they  hereby  are  em- 
powered, to  enter  into  such  engagements  with  .the  proprietors  of 
certain  lots  of  land  on  Boston  neck,  granted  by  the  Town  April 
30'^'^.  1785  ;  respect-  [ing]  the  repairs  &  future  maintenance  of  the 
Street  in  front  of  their  lots,  as  they  shall  consider  for  the 
interest  and  benefit  of  the  Town. 

Voted — That  Peter  O.  Thacher  Esq"",  be  constituted  &  appointed 
Agent,  in  behalf  of  the  Town ;  to  enter  upon  any  of  said  lots  for 
condition  broken,  &  in  behalf  of  the  Town,  prosecute  any  action 
or  actions  against  any  or  all  of  the  grantees  of  said  lots,  or  either 
of  them,  their  heirs  or  Assigns  for  the  breach  of  any  covenant  or 
condition  [53]  entered  into  and  made  by  them  or  either  of  them 
with  said  Town ;  and  to  compound  compromise  &  agree  with 
them  or  either  of  them. 

Also  that  said  Agent  be  empowered  to  repair  said  street  or  any 
part  thereof  under  the  direction  of  the  Selectmen,  and  to  recover 
of  said  grantees  or  either  of  them  their  proportion  of  the  expences 
thereof,  according  to  their  covenants  and  agreements  or  any  thing 
contained  in  their  deed  or  deeds, — 


32  City  Document  No.  128. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  the  12'^.  day  of  June  next  —  to  meet  at 
10  O'clock  A  M. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  held 
at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Wednesday  the  7"\  day  of  June  AD  1815  — 
10  O'clock  A  M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  meeting  —  read. 

Stephen  Codman  Esq^.  Moderator. 

The  petition  of  a  great  number  of  the  Inhabitants  ' '  That  the 
Town  would  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  applying 
to  the  Legislature  for  an  act  incorporating  the  Town  of  Boston, 
and  establishing  therein  a  Constitution  or  frame  of  Government 
similar  to  such  as  exist  [53]  in  other  great  cities  —  was  read  — 
and  after  considerable  debate  it  was 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  from  each  ward  of  two  persons  be 
appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  making  an 
alteration  in  the  Municipal  G-overnment  of  the  Town,  and  to 
collect  such  information,  relative  to  the  charters  of  other  cities  in 
the  United  States  as  may  be  in  their  power  and  to  prepare  and. 
report  a  system  of  Municipal  Government  to  be  adopted  by  the 
town,  or  such  improvements  in  the  present  system  as  may  be 
thought  best. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  notify  the  inhabitants  in  each  Ward 
to  meet  on  Wednesday  the  21^"^  instant  at  4  O  Clock  P.  M.  to 
choose  two  persons  in  each  Ward  agreeable  to  the  foregoing  vote. 

The  Committee  to  be  chosen  as  above  directed,  are  to  apply  to 
the  Selectmen  to  call  a  Town  meeting  when  they  are  ready  to 
report. 

Then  the  Meetino-  was  Dissolved. 


[54.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Bos- 
ton, held  by  adjournment  from  the  29"\  Ultimo  at  Faneuil  Hall 
on  Monday  the  12"\  day  of  June  A.  D.  1815  — 10  O'Clock  A.  M. 

Third  Annual  Report 

of  the 
Committee  of  Finance. 

The  Committee  of  Finance,  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  composed 
of  the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  Board  of  Health, 
agreeably  to  the  powers  and  instructions  received  from  the  Town, 
have  examined  the  accounts  of  the  Treasurer  &  Collector  for  the 
past  year  and  report  as  follows. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815. 


33 


That  there  has  been  received  on  account  of  back 

taxes 4582.26 

And  of  taxes  of  1814  to  May  20^^.  1815  -     -     -     -  127,870.30 

Amount  of  abatements  on  1814  tax 8358.60 

$136228.90 

The  amount  of  Warrants  for  taxes  of  1814  were 

State  tax 20,681.33 

County  tax 26,788.85 

Town  tax 89,000 


But  the  amount  assessed  with  the  addition  allowed 
by  Law  to  anticipate  probable  abatements,  was 
Sum  collected  and  abated 

Leaving  ballance  uncollected      ------- 


$136,470.18 

$142,285.10 
136,228.90 

$6,056.20 


The  Committee  in  exhibiting  this  deficiency  in  the  Collection 
between  the  first  of  October  and  20"\  of  May,  feel  confident  [55] 
that  the  Town  will  not  impute  any  neglect  to  the  Treasurer  & 
Collector  nor  any  unwarrantable  remissness  on  the  part  of  the 
Citizens ;  when  the  peculiar  hardships  and  stagnation  of  Business 
of  the  past  year  are  considered.  It  has  been  with  the  advice  of 
the  Committee,  that  the  Collector  has  forborne  to  urge  the  settle- 
ment of  the  above  with  the  rigour  of  the  Law :  the  property  of 
many  of  the  persons  owing  the  above  balance  is  so  circumstanced, 
that  if  pressed,  the  whole  must  have  been  abated ;  but  the  Treas- 
urer is  of  opinion  that  $4000  may  be  collected  of  the  outstanding 
taxes,  and  considered  in  this  years  estimate. 


j)r 


TOWN  OF  BOSTON. 


The  following  is  a  Statement  of  the  Towns  Debts  and  Credits. 

c^ 

12163.78 
7000. 
4000. 

23163.78 
24932.25 

$48096.03 


On  State  tax     -     - 

10000. 

County  tax  -     -     - 

23806.09 

due  to  Banks     -     - 

32500. 

Private  Notes    -     - 

30000.07 

M^^.    Brookers    do- 

nation interest  p*^. 

annually  for  sick 

and  Widows   -     - 

1230. 

J.  Bradlee  for  Oil  - 

8346.62 

Drafts  unpaid    -     - 

400.09 

$106282.87 

Unliquidated  Acco*^ 

5700. 

$111982.87 

By  Notes  for  Land 
Due  for  State  Poor 
taxes  receivable 

Cash  in  the  Treasu^. 


34  City  Document  No.  128. . 

The  foot  of  the  Account  Current  of  the  Town  last 

year  was 119528.32 

The  above  Statement  the  present  year  shows  it  to 

be 111982.87 


And  exhibits  the  Amount  of  debt  reduced     -     -     -  $7545.45 


The  amount  of  outstanding  debts  was      -     -     -     - 

Whicii  being  reduced  this  year  by 7545.45 


Leaves  the  present  actual  debt  -------  62454.55 

[56.]  The  Committee  have  found  that  their  recommendation 
of  a  reduction  of  the  debt  of  14000  dollars  p  annum,  could  not 
be  carried  into  full  effect,  owing  to  unusual  expences  that  have 
arisen  in  consequence  of  the  "War ;  and  also  owing  to  the  ad- 
vanced price  of  oil  and  other  articles  for  Towns  use,  from  the 
same  cause. 

They  feel  gratified  that  in  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the 
times,  the  debt  has  not  been  increased  but  diminished  7545 
dollars. — 

They  recommend  in  addition  to  a  provision  of  14000  dollars 
sinking  fund  this  year,  that  7000  dollars  be  added,  to  make  up 
the  deficiency  of  the  last  year.  This  system  being  steadily 
pursued  will  discharge  the  debt  in  four  years. — 

The  demand  on  the  Town  being  as  above  stated     -  $111982.87 
add   thereto    for   current   expences   of    the    year, 
Selectmen    60000   Overseers   25000  Board  of 

Health  6000    -     -     - -     -  91000. 

Amount  of  State  tax  ----------  24000. 

D°.          County  tax 22000. 

The  interest  on  outstanding  debts  deferred   -     -     -  3017.13 

The  whole  amount  to  be  provided  for $252000.00 

From  which  deduct  three  Installments  of  old  debt  ^ 

each   of    14000    dollars   to   be  paid   in   three  '       42000. 

succeeding  years ) 

$210000. 


To  be  provided  for  as  follows  ; 

From  money  in  the  Treasury 24932.25 

Notes  for  Land  &c  falling  due 12163.78 

From  Commonwealth  for  Poor 13000. 

Rents  as  received  last  year 11000. 

Taxes   receivable  —  outstanding 4000. 

$65096.3 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  35 

[57.]         Brought  forward  -     -------        $65096.3 

Amount  assessed  for  State  tax 24000. 

D^  for  County  tax 22000. 

D°.  for  Town  Tax 75000 

For  Installment  of  debt 21000 

For  Interest  on  defeered  —  D°.     -     -  2903.97 

98,903.97 


$210,000. 


The  Committee  have  thus  endeavored  to  condense  the  substance 
of  the  Treasurers  accounts,  and  to  present  to  the  Town  as  they 
were  du'ected  to  do,  "  a  clear  and  well  defined  statement  of  their 
monied  concerns."  —  They  renewedly  express  their  satisfaction  in 
the  order  and  method  pursued  by  the  Treasurer  and  Collector ; 
and  in  being  able  to  inform  the  Town,  that  every  demand  from 
every  individual  has  been  discharged  on  the  orders  passed  by  the 
Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  Board  of  Health,  except 
only  400  dollars  which  have  not  been  called  for  :  such  punctuality 
and  promptness  of  payment  cannot  fail  to  raise  the  credit  of  the 
Town  Treasurer,  and  to  enable  the  Boards,  who  have  the  expen- 
diture of  the  public  Money,  to  obtain  their  work  and  supplies  on 
the  most  favourable  terms. 

The  Committee  respectfully  report,  that  the  Town  should  vote 
a  tax  of  ninety  nine  thousand  dollars,  for  the  current  expences 
of  the  year,  and  for  the  payment  of  the  second  installment  of  the 
deferred  debt. 

Respectfully  submitted. 
By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Finance 
May  29"^.  1815.  Charles  Bulfinch,  Chairman. 

[58.]     The  foregoing  Report  was  accepted  —  And 
Voted,  That  the  sum  of  ninety  nine  thousand  dollars  be  raised 
by  a  Tax  on   the    Polls    and   Estates  of  the   Inhabitants    of  the 
Town,  to  defray  the  expences  of  the  Town  the  present  year  &  to 
discharge  part  of  the  deferred  debt. — 

Voted — That  the  further  sum  of  ten  thousand  dollars  be 
assessed,  to  cover  any  deficiency  that  may  arise  from  abatements, 
or  errors  in  assessing  the  taxes. 

The  following  Report  was  received  from  the  Auditors  of  the 
Towns  Accounts,  &  the  Treasurers  Account  referred  to  in  the 
Repoi't,  is  on  file. — 

We  the  Subscribers,  appointed  a  Committee  to  audit  the  ac- 
counts of  the  Town  Treasurer,  agreeably  to  a  vote  passed  by  the 
town  of  Boston  on  the  17"\  day  of  March  1815.  have  performed 
that  service  and  have  received  from  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq"".,  the 


36  City  Document  No.  128. 

Treasurer,  the  aforegoing  account,  which  the  Committee  have 
examined  and  find  the  same  right  cast  and  well  vouched,  and 
that  there  results  a  balance  of  twenty  four  thousand,  nine  hun- 
dred thirty  two  Dollars,  twenty  five  cents,  in  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer;  belonging  to  the  Town. 
Boston  22'^.  May  1815. 

Stephen  Codman  ") 

Francis  J.  Oliver  >    Auditors. 

John  Osborn         j 

[59.]  Voted,  That  the  sum  of  seven  hundred  &  fifty  dollars 
be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Hon^  Thomas  Dawes  Esq'.,  for  his 
Salary  as  Judge  of  the  Municipal  Court  the  ensuing  year. 

Voted  —  That  there  be  allowed  &  paid  the  sum  of  One 
thousand  Dollars  unto  Thomas  Clark  Town  Clerk,  as  his  salary 
for  the  year  ensuing.  — 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  &  paid  unto  each  of  the  Assessors, 
the  sum  of  Eight  hundred  and  sixteen  dollars  each  for  their  ser- 
vices the  present  year. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Andrew  Sigourney 
Esquire,  the  sum  of  three  Thousand  Dollars,  in  full  for  his  ser- 
vices as  Town  Treasurer  and  Collector  of  taxes,  for  Clerk  hire 
and  all  expences  in  the  delivery  of  tax  bills  and  collection  of 
taxes. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[60.]  At  a  Convention  of  the  Boards  of  Selectmen,  Over- 
seers of  the  Poor  &  Board  of  Health,  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
held  [in]  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  26  day  of  June  A.D.  1815  — 
4  o'clock  P.M. 

Present  a  Majority  of  each  Board. 

Voted  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer  for  the 
year  ensuing,  and  that  Mess""^.  Jacob  Hall  &  Darius  Boardman 
be  a  Committee  to  collect,  sort  and  count  the  votes. 

The  Committee  reported  that  the  whole  number  of  votes  for  a 
Town  Treasurer  were  21  and  that  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq"^.  was 
unanimously  chosen. 

The  Convention  proceeded  to  the  choice  of  a  Collector  of 
Taxes  for  the  present  year,  and  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq'',  was 
unanimously  elected. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  37 

Mess".  Oliver,  Perkins  and  Whitman  were  appointed  a  Com- 
mitte  to  qualify  the  Treasurer  &  Collector,  by  taking  two  bonds 
for  twenty  thousand  dollars  each  &  having  the  Oath  of  office 
administered  to  him. 

Jonathan  Hunnewell  &  Benjamin  [blank]  Esquires  were  ap- 
proved as  Bondsmen  for  the  Treasurer  &  Collector. 

Then  the  Convention  was  Dissolved. 


[61.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  at  Faneuil  Hall  the  4*'".  day  of  July 
A.  D.  1815  —  10  O'clock  A.  M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  — read. 

Thomas  Clark  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  last  year  to  make  choice  of  a 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  Anniversary  of  Indepen- 
dence Reported,  That  they  had  chosen  Lemuel  Shaw  Esq"^.  who 
had  accepted  the  appointment. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  Old  South  Church  at  12  O'Clock  —  M. 

Met  at  the  Old  South  Church  where  an  Oration  was  delivered 
by  Lemuel  Shaw  Esquire  to  commemorate  the  Independence  of 
the  United  States  of  America. 

Voted — That  the  Selectmen  be,  and  hereby  are  appointed  a 
Committee  to  wait  on  Lemuel  Shaw  Esq'".,  in  the  name  of  the 
Town  &  thank  him  for  the  elegant  &  spirited  Oration  this  day 
delivered  by  him  at  the  request  of  the  Town,  upon  the  anniver- 
sary of  American  Independence,  in  which  were  considered  the 
feelings,  manners,  &  principles  which  produced  the  great  national 
event,  and  the  important  and  happy  effects,  general  &  domestic, 
which  have  already  or  will  forever  flow  from  that  auspicious 
epoch  ;  and  to  request  of  him  a  copy  for  the  press. 

[6^.]  Voted  —  That  the  Gentlemen  Selectmen  be  and  hereby 
are  appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  some  able  &  learned 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  4*^.  day  of  July  1816. 
That  day  being  the  anniversary  of  the  Independence  of  the 
United  States  of  America ;  wherein  the  Orator  is  to  consider  the 
feelings,  manners,  &  principles  which  led  to  this  great  national 
event,  as  well  as  the  important  and  happy  effects,  whether  general 
or  domestic,  which  have  already,  or  will  forever  flow  from  that 
auspicious  Epoch. — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. — 


38  City  Document  No.  128.' 

At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  5"\  day  of  October  A.D. 
1815  —  10  O'clock  A.M. 

Jonathan  Hunnewell  Esquire,  chosen  Moderator. 

This  Meeting  was  called  upon  the  application  of  a  number  of 
the  Inhabitants,  "  That  the  Town  would  take  measures  to  supply 
each  member  of  the  militia  with  provisions  for  two  days,  at 
the  inspection  &  review  ordered  at  Dedham  on  the  10*^,  &  ll''\ 
instant,  &  also  to  furnish  a  sufficient  number  of  waggons  to  trans- 
port the  tents  &  baggage." 

The  application  together  with  a  communication  from  the  Select- 
men on  the  same  subject  being  read. 

It  was  moved  &  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  desired  to  con- 
fer with  the  Lieu*.  Colonels  commanding  [63]  the  three  Regi- 
ments of  the  Boston  Brigade,  &  the  Brigade  Quartermaster ;  to 
ascertain  from  them  the  number  of  men  who  will  be  on  duty,  at 
the  ensuing  inspection  and  review ;  and  that  they  be  authorized 
&  empowered  to  furnish,  at  the  expense  of  the  Town,  suitable 
rations  for  two  days,  to  all  the  non-commissioned  officers  and 
men  who  may  be  actually  on  duty;  and  such  a  number  of 
Waggons  as  shall  be  necessary  for  tents,  straw  &  baggage.  — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  16*^^.  day  of  October  A.D. 
1815  —  10  O'clock  A.  M. 

Warrant  calling  the  Meeting  — read. 

Hon''^".  John  Phillips  Esq"^.  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Committee  appointed  to  take  into  consideration  the  expedi- 
ency of  making  an  alteration  in  the  municipal  government  of  the 
Town,  having  performed  the  duty  enjoined  upon  them  by  their 
fellow  citizens  ask  leave  to  present  the  result  of  their  delibera- 
tions in  the  form  of  a  Bill,  which  they  recommend  the  Repre- 
sentatives of  the  town  should  be  instructed  to  obtain  to  be 
enacted  as  nearly  as  possible,  by  the  General  Court. 

[64.]  Your  Committee  have  adopted  this  mode  as  the  most 
simple  and  as  being  likely  to  be  the  most  satisfactory,  inasmuch 
as  it  presents  to  the  town  the  precise  form,  which  the  alterations, 
if  adopted,  will  ultimately  assume,  and  will  thus  give  a  more  clear 
idea  of  the  nature  of  them,  than  would  probably  result  from  any 
other  course. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  39 

In  relation  to  the  principles  of  those  alterations,  which  the 
Bill  here  presented  contemplates,  the  committee  ask  leave  to  state, 
that  being  aware  of  the  difficult  nature  of  the  subject  submitted 
to  their  consideration,  they  have  limited  their  endeavours  to  the 
attainment  of  such  practical  alterations,  as  utility  seemed  to  sug- 
gest, and  to  which  the  wishes  of  the  immediate  petitioners  seemed 
directed.  — They  have  therefore  not  proposed  any  general  altera- 
tions in  the  established  constitution,  any  farther  than  was  neces- 
sary to  effect  the  advantages  sought,  consistent  with  the 
preservation  of  all  the  boards  which  do  now,  and  have  so  long, 
with  so  much  honour  to  the  respective  members  of  those  boards 
and  so  much  benefit  to  the  town,  presided  over  its  concerns. 
The  Selectmen,  the  Board  of  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  the 
Board  of  Health  will  be  preserved  as  they  now  exist,  except  so 
far  as  they  may  be  affected  by  those  alterations  your  Committee 
have  deemed  it  advisable  to  propose. 

[65.]  A  course  of  this  kind  seemed  not  only  the  wisest;  but 
in  a  measure  rendered  necessary,  by  the  general  relations,  which 
the  town  of  Boston  bears  to  the  other  towns  in  the  Common- 
wealth. The  forms  of  proceeding  of  those  boards  are  settled 
and  familiar  to  all  our  citizens ;  their  relations  to  one  another  are 
well  defined  and  understood,  their  existence  is  associated  with 
our  habits  and  our  affections. 

By  attempting  to  change  all  these  in  conformity  to  some 
chosen  or  theoretic  model  of  City  government ;  little  advantage 
would  be  gained  and  much  would  be  lost  from  the  natural  appre- 
hensions which  all  men  have  of  the  effect  of  entirely  novel 
arrangements  upon  their  great  interests.  The  result  of  the 
opinion  of  your  committee  not  to  supersede  any  of  the  existing 
Boards  has  been  strengthened  by  the  consideration  that  a  board 
of  Selectmen  is  rendered  necessary  by  the  letter  of  the  consti- 
tution in  every  town  in  this  commonwealth.  Indeed  the  very 
name  of  town,  associated  with  certain  municipal  proceedings  is 
also  rendered  necessary  by  the  terms  of  that  instrument.  So 
that  the  continuance  of  that  board  with  its  present  name  and 
with  many  of  its  present  powers,  is  unadvoidable. 

With  respect  the  overseers  of  the  Poor  and  the  board  of  Health, 
any  attempt  to  change  their  constitution  seemed  less  advisable, 
inasmuch  [66]  as  the  powers  exercised  and  the  duties  per- 
formed by  them  are  often  exercised,  even  in  cities  regularly 
organized  by  bodies  of  Commissioners  in  effect  but  little  differing 
from  independent  boards.  For  these  reasons  your  committee 
have  deemed  it  expedient  to  propose  only  such  modification  of 
the  municipal  powers  as  should  in  each  instance,  have  a  distinct 
object,  the  advantage  of  which  might  be  demonstrated. 

In  contemplating  in  this  light,  the  various  powers  exercised 
within  the  town,  your  committee  could  not  refrain  from  being 
affected  with  very  sensible  pleasure  at  perceiving  how  few  modifi- 
cations were  necessary,  in  the  frame  of  the  existing  town  consti- 
tution, in  order  to  secure  for  the  citizens  all  the  advantages  they 


40  City  Document  No.  128.  • 

could  hope  from  the  most  formal  city  organization.  —  Some  of 
these  were  indeed  of  an  important  character.  But  as  it  respects 
the  great  mass  of  the  requisite  powers,  they  were  already  so 
arranged  and  deposited,  as  to  leave  little  to  wish  or  expect  from 
any  alteration  in  them. 

In  the  first  place,  the  Judiciary  authority  exercised  within  the 
town,  consisting  of  a  Court  of  common  Pleas,  and  a  Municipal 
Court  embraces,  within  the  sphere  of  their  jurisdiction  all  the 
powers  of  that  nature,  and  in  a  form  as  select  and  advantageous 
as  any  other  arrangement  could  offer,  or  which  might  be  devised. 

In  most  cities,  these  powers  are  in  part,  or  in  [67]  whole, 
exercised  by  the  mayor,  or  chief  executive  offices  of  the  city. 
But  there  seems  to  be  no  particular  advantage  in  thus  combining 
the  chief  executive  and  judicial  powers  in  one  officer.  And  in 
the  actual  state  of  the  feelings  and  habits  of  the  citizens  of 
Boston,  it  is  probable  that  a  scheme  of  municipal  government, 
Vv'hich  should  keep  the  executive  and  judiciary  powers,  exercised 
within  the  town,  in  distinct  hands,  would  be  more  satisfactory  to 
tliem,  than  an  arrangement,  which  should  deposit  both  in  the 
hands  of  a  single  individual.  Should  the  chief  executive  of 
our  city  be  vested  with  judiciary  powers,  his  appointment 
by  the  executive  of  the  state,  under  the  provisions  of  our 
state  constitution,  would  be  inevitable.  It  seems  however, 
desirable  tiiat  this  officer  should  be  connected  with  the  inhabi- 
tants of  our  city  by  ties,  less  independent  than  would  result 
from  his  appointment  by  the  executive  of  the  state.  To  the  mass 
of  his  fellow  citizens  he  ought,  at  least  immediately,  to  owe  his 
election.  To  them,  or  to  that  body  whom  they  may  choose  in 
this  case  to  represent  them,  such  an  officer  ought  to  be  bound  by 
all  that  sense  of  responsibihty,  which  naturally  results  from  the 
consciousness  of  his  being  indebted  to  their  suffrages  for  his  elec- 
tion. The  system  which  j^our  committee  propose  contains  there- 
fore no  change  in  judiciary  powers  now  exercised  within  the  town, 
except  so  far  as  relates  to  the  selection  of  three  Justices,  and  the 
establishment  of  a  Police  Court.  [68]  In  forming  this  Court, 
however,  it  will  be  perceived,  that  it  is  not  proposed  to  interfere 
with  the  existing  powers  of  a  Justice  of  Peace,  but  that  the  powers 
of  the  Police  Court  should  be  co-extensive  and  concurrent  with 
those  of  Justices  of  the  peace.  It  is  not  proposed  to  authorise 
any  preference  to  be  exercised  among  the  acting  Justices ;  but 
that  each  in  his  turn  should  act  as  a  member  of  the  Police  Court. 
The  great  advantage  contemplated  by  this  arrangement  is,  that  in 
a  court  consisting  of  three  members,  acting  under  the  authority 
of  the  government  of  the  town,  in  a  publick  place,  and  subject  to 
the  concourse  of  all  the  citizens,  more  order,  regularity,  correct- 
ness and  uniformity  of  proceeding  would  result,  than  from  a  court 
holden  by  a  single  Justice  in  a  private  room,  without  any  respon- 
sibility, but  what  is  of  the  most  general  nature.  It  is  known  that 
great  complaints  of  abuses  of  their  authority  by  justices  of  the 
peace  have  at  all  times  existed  :  And  without  meaning  to  sane- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  41 

tiou  the  idea,  that  these  complaints  have  been  in  all  or  in  many 
cases  well  founded  your  committee  have  deemed  it  expedient  if 
possible  to  give  the  justices  of  the  peace  an  opportunity  to  exer- 
cise their  offices  in  a  manner  more  publick  and  responsible,  and 
which,  without  interfering  with  their  emoluments  as  on  the  scheme 
proposed,  those  of  the  police  court  would  be  equally  shared  by 
all,  would  give  greater  weight  &  dignity  to  their  office,  [69]  and 
proceedings.  — In  examining  the  present  constituted  authorities 
of  the  town  with  reference  to  improvements  in  their  organization 
and  powers  of  which  they  were  deemed  susceptible,  your  com- 
mittee have  considered  that  something  would  be  gained  by  en- 
larging for  merely  municipal  purposes,  the  number  proposed,  the 
number  of  which  the  superintending  board  at  present  consists, 
and  causing  the  election  of  their  additional  numbers  to  be  made 
in  the  respective  wards  and  not  by  the  town  at  lai'ge.  This 
would  secure  for  the  superintending  board  more  local  knowledge 
&  responsibility  than  at  present  exist  in  it :  The  inhabitants  of 
each  ward,  most  distinguished  for  their  acquaintance  with  its  par- 
ticular interests  would  be  thus  probably  selected  for  this  office, 
and  thus  the  greatest  assurance  would  result  that  the  interest  of 
every  ward  would  be  duly  considered  :  An  assurance  which  would 
not  result  from  election  from  any  general  ticket,  in  which  the 
wishes  of  each  ward  cannot  be  distinctly  attained,  inasmuch  as 
the  whole  election  is  controuled  by  the  result  of  the  general  voice. 

The  first  specific  alteration  proposed  by  your  committee,  is  that 
leaving  the  election  of  Selectmen  to  depend  upon  the  general 
voice,  as  at  present  regulated  by  law,  that  tioo  delegates  shall  be 
chosen  at  the  respective  ward  Meetings  in  April,  and  these 
together  with  the  Selectmen,  should  constitute  the  superintending 
board,  in  which  should  be  invested  all  the  powers  relative  to  the 
town  [70]  interests  and  management  of  its  concerns,  except 
such  as  are  vested  exclusively  in  the  board  of  Selectmen  by  the 
constitution  of  the  state. 

The  next  alteration  proposed  by  the  committee,  relates  to  the 
chief  executive  of  the  town,  the  executive  power  eficiently  exists 
at  present  in  a  superintendent  of  police,  who  is  chosen  by  the 
Selectmen  out  of  their  own  body  &  receiving  a  salary  dependent 
upon  their  discretion  and  responsible  solely  to  them  ;  Relative  to 
this  officer  your  committee  recommend  that  he  should  hereafter 
be  elected  by  a  convention  to  be  held  annually  by  the  board  of 
Selectmen  and  delegates,  the  board  of  overseers  of  the  poor 
and  the  board  of  health.  It  will  be  unnecessary  for  the 
committee  to  dilate  on  the  advantages  to  be  anticipated 
from  such  an  organization,  as  the  Selectmen  and  overseers 
of  the  poor  are  elected  by  the  general  voice  of  the  town. 
The  board  of  health  &  delegates  by  the  voice  of  the  wards. 
It  seems  impossible  for  any  greater  security  to  result  for  a 
wise  selection  of  the  superintending  executive  officer,  one,  in 
which  general  and  local  influences  and  wishes  would  be  more 
likely  to  be  consulted,  than  what  would  result  from  an  election 


42  City  Document  No.  128.  . 

made  by  a  body  composed  of  men  thus  chosen.  This  officei 
your  committee  have  proposed  should  be  called  "  The  Intendant" 
a  name  borne  by  the  officer  in  the  same  station  in  the  city  of 
Charleston  South  Carolina,  and  implying  the  duties  which  he  is 
to  execute.  Except  in  the  particulars  above  [71]  mentioned 
your  committee  have  not  deemed  it  necessary  to  propose  any 
alteration  in  the  organization  of  the  town  government.  They 
have  however  proposed  that  the  corporate  name  should  be  ' '  The 
Intendant  and  Municipality  of  the  Town  and  City  of  Boston." 
They  have  been  induced  to  suggest  this  alteration  for  the  pur- 
pose of  expressing  truly  and  distinctly  the  nature  of  the  corpora- 
tion, which  will  be  in  effect,  the  union  of  town  and  city  authorities 
in  one  general  government  or  municipality.  For  reasons  men- 
tioned in  a  preceeding  part  of  this  report  the  names  of  "  Town," 
"Town  Clerk,"  "  Selectmen"  are  made  so  essential  by  the  pro- 
visions of  the  state  constitution,  as  that  they  are  for  certain  pur- 
poses specified  in  it,  absolutely  indispensable.  Under  the  pro- 
posed system  town  meetings  will  continue  to  be  held  and  all 
questions  relative  to  our  political  rights  &  interests  to  be  dis- 
cussed in  them :  A  course  of  proceedings  happily  as  inseparable 
from  the  genius  of  our  constitution  as  it  is  justly  dear  to  the 
affections  of  our  citizens.  The  name  of  "City"  is  added, 
because  the  delegation  of  powers  &  the  organization  of  the  gov- 
ernment will  be  that  of  a  city,  with  the  names  of  its  officers 
accomodated  to  our  circumstances  and  habits.  Besides,  your 
committee  find  that  a  very  great  number  of  our  citizens  wish  that 
the  name  of  city  should  be  adopted;  being  of  opinion,  that  this 
name  has  an  effect  to  raise  the  rank  of  a  place  in  the  estimation 
of  foreigners,  and  it  will  be  better  adapted  than  the  name  of 
town  to  express  the  real  standing  [73]  compared  with  the  other 
cities  of  the  United  States.  The  learning,  intelligence,  wealth, 
numbers,  enterprise  &  pubhc  spirit  of  Boston  entitle  it  in  the 
opinion  of  your  committee  to  the  highest  discriminating  appela- 
tion  universally  given  to  their  most  distinguished  places,  by  the 
practice  of  all  European  nations 

The  other  alteration  proposed  by  your  committee  relates  chiefly 
to  the  powers  exercised  by  the  municipality. 

By  the  fundamental  laws  of  this  commonwealth  ' '  The  inhabi- 
tants of  every  town  within  the  government  are  declared  to  be  a 
body  politic  and  corporate."  Each  town  has  powers  of  self 
government,  to  make  bye  laws,  raise  money,  and  execute  any 
measures  within  the  town,  which  the  majority  of  the  inhabitants 
shall  consider  for  their  benefit  or  advantage ;  conforming  them- 
selves always  to  the  general  laws  and  constitution  of  the  com- 
monwealth. This  organization  of  towns  is  the  most  free  that 
can  be  imagined;  and  while  the  inhabitants  are  not  very  numer- 
ous their  affairs  may  be  conducted  with  convenience  and  sufficient 
safety  in  this  simple  mode ;  but  when  the  inhabitants  become 
very  numerous,  especially  in  sea  ports,  the  experience  of  our 
country  as  well  as  that  of  all  the  nations  of  Europe,  has  pointed 
out  the  necessity  of  a  corresponding  change. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  48 

In  such  large  communities  of  people,  it  is  impossible  that  all 
the  individuals  of  which  they  [73]  are  composed,  should  be  well 
acquainted  with  the  principles  on  which  depend  the  prosperous 
conduct  of  the  monied  coucerns  of  a  corporation,  and  with  those 
other  subjects  of  internal  regulation,  by  which  the  prosperity  of  a 
city  is  increased,  and  by  which  it  is  best  enabled  to  encourage 
&  protect  the  industry  of  its  own  citizens.  If  all  the  inhabitants 
of  such  town  assemble,  it  is  obvious  that  business  cannot  be 
well  transacted  by  so  numerous  a  body,  liable  as  it  always  must 
be,  to  be  swayed  by  local  views,  party  feelings,  or  the  interests 
of  designing  men  :  If  the  meetings  be,  as  it  most  frequently  will 
be,  but  thinly  attended,  those  present  must  act  as  the  represent- 
atives of  the  whole;  and  it  is  very  seldom,  that  men  of  the  best 
intelhgence  and  most  capable  of  conducting  publick  business  will 
leave  their  important  private  concerns  to  attend  to  alTairs  in 
which  they  have  only  a  general  interest ;  It  therefore  unavoid- 
ably happens  that  the  affairs  of  a  large  town  are  conducted  by  a 
very  small  number  of  persons,  who  represent  and  act  for  the 
whole,  but  who  are  not  chosen  by  them,  who  do  not  possess 
their  confidence  and  act  under  no,  or  a  very  slight  responsi- 
bility. 

The  necessity  of  a  responsible  representative  system  to  the 
well  management  of  the  interests  of  all  great  bodies  of  men,  is 
now  so  well  understood  and  so  universally  acknowledged,  that 
your  committee  forbear  to  dilate  on  them.  Upon  this  principle 
depends  the  organization  of  the  general  and  state  governments, 
of  all  banking  institutions,  insurance  and  manufactui'ing  com- 
panies and  generally  of  [74]  corporations  of  every  kind;  these 
are  all  conducted  by  representatives  or  directors  who  act  for  the 
joint  interest  under  general  laws.  The  town  of  Boston  itself  has 
recently  experienced  the  most  decided  benefit  resulting  from  the 
choice  of  Treasurer  &  Collector  by  a  convention  of  the  Selectmen, 
Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  board  of  health,  constituting  a  new 
proof  if  any  were  wanting,  of  the  advantage  to  be  derived  from 
confiding  in  large  communities,  the  management  of  public  busi- 
ness to  responsible  bodies. 

The  Committee  also  propose,  that  the  superintendence  of  the 
concerns  of  the  county  should  be  transferred  to  the  municipality  — 
The  town  and  county  in  such  event  being  the  same,  such  an 
arrangement  seems  naturally  to  result :  The  affairs  of  both  may 
thus  in  the  apprehension  of  your  committee  be  conducted  with 
more  uniformity  and  economy  by  one  body  than  at  present.  A 
greater  control  over  the  expences  would  result ;  and  by  a  regular 
publication  of  the  accounts  they  would  be  laid  more  open  to  the 
view  of  the  citizens. 

The  committee  do  not  find  that  any  important  revenue  is  derived 
from  licenses  or  internal  taxes  of  an  indirect  kind  in  the  principal 
cities  of  the  United  States  :  The  expences  of  these  cities  are  paid, 
as  with  us,  by  direct  taxes  and  from  the  income  of  public  property  : 
The  chief  advantages  they  possess  arise  from  the  adoption  & 
. steady  pursuit  of  wise  plans  of  Finance  &  the  disposal  and  [75] 


44  City  Document  No.  128.    • 

management  of  city  property,  by  a  responsible  body,  to  whom 
these  powers  are  delegated.  To  enable  the  town  of  Boston  to 
realize  similar  advantages  &  thereby  materially  to  improve  the 
condition  of  its  financial  concerns,  nothing  more  seems  to  be 
requisite  than  to  adopt  a  similar  system  with  that  which  prevails 
in  those  cities  ;  and  which  in  the  opinion  of  your  committee  the 
alterations  they  have  proposed  are  well  calculated  to  attain. 

The  committee  have  also  proposed  that  the  municipality  should 
have  power  to  grant  suitable  privileges  and  immunities  to  asso- 
ciations of  Mechanics,  Artificers  or  Manufacturers  within  the 
town :  This  power  however  must  necessarily  be  regulated  by 
Constitution  &  Laws  of  the  state,  and  can  only  effect  those  who 
voluntarily  associate  together. 

Your  committee  conceive  that  under  such  provision  as  they 
propose,  regulations  may  be  adopted  for  the  benefit  of  this  class 
of  citizens,  which  will  materially  promote  industry  &  the  public 
good. 

The  committee  respectfully  submit  the  result  of  their  delibera- 
tions to  the  town  and  hope  that  it  will  be  received  with  that 
candor,  to  which  it  is  in  some  respect  entitled,  if  from  no  other, 
at  least  from  this  consideration,  that  it  is  the  work  of  men,  called 
without  any  previous  concert  or  knowledge  of  theirs,  by  the  un- 
solicited voice  of  their  fellow  citizens  to  a  task  both  delicate  & 
difficult.  Whatever  decision  the  wisdom  of  the  Inhabitants  of 
the  town  shall  finally  make  upon  the  report  now  offered  for  their 
consideration,  your  committee  are  clearly  [76]  of  opinion,  that 
it  should  not  be  made  without  deliberation  and  that  every  citizen 
should  have  an  opportunity  to  examine  the  subject  at  his  home 
and  at  his  leisure,  and  shew  his  sentiments  in  a  manner,  which 
shall  at  once  be  the  most  satisfactory  &  the  most  likely  to  have 
weight  with  the  Legislature  to  induce  them  to  grant  the  prayer 
of  the  Town,  in  case  the  result  should  be  in  favour  of  the 
Report 

For  this  purpose,  your  Committee  after  expressing  their  earnest 
wishes  for  the  prosperity ;  increasing  wealth  and  good  order  of 
the  Metropolis  and  sincerely  praying  that  their  labours  may  even- 
tuate, as  it  is  their  humble  belief  should  the  principles  proposed 
be  adopted,  that  they  will,  in  advancing  all  those  great  interests  : 
ask  leave  to  report  the  following  vote  for  the  adoption  of  their 
fellow  Citizens 

Voted,  that  the  Report  &  Bill  this  day  presented  to  the  town 
by  the  Committee  appointed  on  the  subject  of  taking  into  con- 
sideration the  expediency  of  making  an  alteration  in  the  Municipal 
Government  of  the  town,  be  printed  and  distributed  .to  every 
house,  and  that  this  meeting  be  adjourned  unto  the  thirteenth  day 
of  November  next,  then  to  meet  at  this  place  at  ten  o'Clock  in  the 
forenoon,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  requested  to  issue  notifica- 
tions of  such  meeting  in  the  usual  form,  notifying  the  inhabitants 
to  come  prepared  to  decide  by  ballot,  by  yea  or  nay  in  writing, 
on  the  acceptance  of  said  Report. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  45 

[77.]  A  Bill 

For  the  Government  of  the  Town 

and  City  of 

Boston. 

Section  1^*.  Be  it  enacted,  by  the  Senate  and  house  of  Repre- 
sentatives in  General  Court  assembled,  and  by  the  authority  of 
the  same.  That  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  annually  chosen 
according  to  law,  together  with  twenty  four  delegates  &  one  In- 
tendaat  to  be  chosen  as  hereafter  directed,  shall  be  a  body 
corporate  &  Politic  with  power  in  behalf  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  to  sue  and  be  sued,  to  plead  and  be  impleaded, 
to  make  use  [of]  a  common  seal,  &  the  same  to  alter  or  change  at 
pleasure  ;  and  shall  be  known  by  the  title  and  stile  of  the  Intend- 
ant  &  Municipality  of  the  Town  and  City  of  Boston. 

Sec  :  2*^.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  Inhabitants  of  the  said 
Town  &  City  qualified  to  vote  for  town  officers,  shall  on  the  first 
Wednesday  in  April  annually,  meet  in  their  respective  Wards, 
and  choose  by  Ballot,  two  persons  freeholders  in  said  Town  & 
resident  in  the  Ward  for  which  they  shall  be  chosen,  who  shall  be 
denominated  Delegates.  The  mode  of  proceeding  in  the  choice 
and  in  case  of  a  refusal  to  serve,  shall  be  the  same  as  is  provided 
by  law  respecting  the  choice  of  members  of  the  Board  of  Health : 
and  the  election  of  said  Delegates  shall  have  priority  of  any  other 
business  which  may  be  before  the  respective  Wards  on  the  as- 
signed day  of  Meeting. 

[78.]  Sec  :  3*^.  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  Selectmen  and 
Delegates  together  with  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  and  Board  of 
Health  shall  annually  assemble  within  ten  days  after  the  Dele- 
gates shall  have  been  chosen,  and  shall  elect  by  joint  Ballot,  one 
suitable  person  who  shall  be  called  "Intendant"  of  the  Town 
S  City  of  Boston,  and  in  case  of  Death  or  resignation  of  said 
Intendant  the  Boards  above  named  shall  proceed  forthwith  to  fill 
the  vacancy.  Provided,  that  no  person  shall  hold  more  than  one 
of  the  offices  of  Delegate,  member  of  the  Board  of  Health  or 
Overseer  of  the  Poor,  at  the  same  time. 

Sec  :  4*^.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  Intendant  so  chosen, 
shall  be  ex  officio,  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen,  he  shall  preside  at 
the  meetings  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  municipalit}^,  and  of  the 
School  Committee ;  all  communications  to  those  Boards,  shall  be 
made  through  him ;  he  shall  attend  daily  in  some  central  &  pub- 
lic office,  to  receive  the  report  of  the  Police  officers,  and  the  com- 
plaints and  representations  of  Individuals  and  to  direct  prosecu- 
tions for  the  breaches  of  the  laws.  He  shall  have  the  general 
superintendence  with  the  concurrence  of  the  Selectmen,  of  the 
Police  of  the  Town  and  City,  and  take  care  that  the  laws  enacted 


46  City  Document  No.  128. 

for  the  general  [good],  are  faithfully  executed.  He  shall  receive 
such  salai-y  as  shall  be  judged  adequate  to  his  services  by  the 
municipality. 

Sec  5*^ :  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  Intendant  and  Munici- 
pality shall  settle  the  rules  &  orders  of  proceedings  of  their  meet- 
ings. They  shall  have  power  to  make  all  such  bye-laws  & 
ordinances  for  the  government  of  the  Town  &  City  &  for  the 
government  of  the  Town  &  City  &  for  the  management  of  its 
[79]  concerns  as  they  shall  judge  necessary ;  &  to  establish 
reasonable  penalties  for  the  breach  thereof :  Provided,  that  such 
bye  laws  &  ordinances  are  not  repugnant  to  the  Constitution  & 
laws  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  that  they  shall  not  be  in  force 
untill  they  have  been  published  one  week  in  two  of  the  papers 
printed  in  Boston. 

Sec  :  6**^.  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  Intendant  and  munici- 
pality shall  have  the  care  &  management  of  all  property,  real  or 
personal,  belonging  to  the  Town  &  City,  with  power  to  lease  or 
sell  any  real  estate  of  the  Town  &  City,  the  Common  excepted, 
and  to  give  deeds  thereof  and  to  make  purchases  of  real  estate 
for  the  erection  of  public  buildings,  and  for  other  purposes, 
beneficial  to  the  Town  &  City.  Provided,  that  no  sale  of  real 
estate  shall  be  made,  unless  specially  inserted  in  a  notification  for 
a  meeting  for  that  purpose,  and  unless  the  measure  shall  have 
been  discussed  at  two  several  meetings  of  the  municipality  and 
determined  by  yeas  &  nays  of  two  thirds  of  the  members  com- 
posing the  whole  body 

Sec  :  7*^^^  Be  it  futher  enacted.  That  the  expenditure  of  monies 
shall  be  made  under  the  direction  of  the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of 
the  Poor  and  Board  of  Health,  in  their  several  departments,  con- 
formably to  appropriations  to  be  from  time  to  time  made  by  the 
municipality.  Regular  accounts  of  expenditure  shall  be  kept  by 
the  three  Boards  and  exhibited  annually  at  a  meeting  of  the 
municipality  and  twenty  days  at  least  before  the  annual  meeting 
in  March,  a  full  abstract  of  the  same,  and  of  all  the  accounts  of 
the  Treasurer  and  an  estimate  of  the  sums  necessary  to  be  raised 
for  the  ensuing  year,  shall  be  published  in  hand  bills  and 
circulated  among  the  Inhabitants. 

[80.]  Sec  :  8"\  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  municipality 
shall  annually  elect  a  Treasurer  and  Collector  or  Collectors  in  the 
same  manner  and  under  the  same  regulations  as  is  now  done  by 
the  convention  of  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor  &  Board  of 
Health.  They  shall  determine  the  sum  necessary  to  be  raised  for 
the  expences  of  the  year,  and  issue  their  warrant  to  the  assessors 
to  levy  and  assess  the  sajne. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1815.  47 

Sec :  9*'\  Be  it  further  enacted,  That  the  municipality  shall 
annually  [choose]  all  officers  now  chosen  by  the  Town,  the  Select- 
men, Overseers  of  the  Poor,  School  Committee,  Town  Clerk,  Fire- 
wards,  Board  of  Health,  Assessors  &  assistant  assessors,  who  shall 
continue  to  be  chosen  as  heretofore.  I'hey  shall  also  choose 
Constables  and  such  police  officers  or  deputies  to  the  Intendant,  as 
experience  may  prove  necessary,  and  shall  have  power  to  remove 
the  same  upon  misconduct  or  disobedience  of  orders.  They  shall 
also  supply  any  vacancy  occasioned  by  the  death,  resignation  or 
removal  of  any  officer  appointed  by  them. 

Sec:  10*^\  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  Selectmen  shall  be 
ex  officio  Surveyors  of  Highways  :  that  all  the  powers  which  are 
now  vested  in  the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor  &  Board  of 
Health,  and  all  the  duties  enjoined  on  them  by  law,  shall  continue 
to  be  vested  in  and  executed  by  them  respectively,  excepting  all 
such  powers  &  duties  as  are  by  this  act,  tranferred  to  the  munici- 
pality as  aforesaid. 

Sec:  ll"^^.  Be  it  further  enacted,  that  the  municipality  shall 
have  power  to  grant  to  any  association  [81]  of  artists,  ai'tiflcers, 
or  mechanics  such  power  of  regulating  themselves  in  their  several 
occupations  and  of  possessing  such  immunities,  and  imposing 
such  restrictions  as  the  said  municipality  shall  consider  for  the 
benefit  of  the  community  and  for  the  encouragement  of  Industry 
—  Provided  such  powers  &  regulations  be  not  repugnant  to  the 
Constitution  &  laws  of  the  Commonwealth.  — 

Sec:  12*'\  Beit  further  enacted,  That  the  Town  &  City  of 
Boston  shall  hereafter  be  a  County  by  the  name  of  the  County  of 
Suffolk  &  the  Intendant  &  Municipality  shall  hold  and  exercise 
all  the  powers  &  authorities  now  exercised  by  the  courts  of  Ses- 
sions of  the  present  County  of  Suffolk  :  They  shall  annually  elect 
a  County  Treasurer,  and  have  the  direction  and  control  of  his 
proceedings,  and  establish  the  Salary  which  he  shall  receive. 
They  shall  publish  a  statement  of  the  income  &  expenditures  of 
the  County,  at  the  same  time  and  in  the  same  manner  as  is 
required  in  relation  to  the  other  Town  and  City  expences. 

Sec :  13  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  Intendant  and 
Municipality,  shall  once  in  every  quarter  of  the  year,  nominate 
and  select  from  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  of  the  County,  three 
persons,  to  be  Justices  of  a  Police  Court,  for  the  quarter  of  the 
year  ensuing,  which  shall  be  holden  daily  in  some  convenient  & 
central  place  by  one  or  more  of  said  Justices ;  at  which  court  a 
record  shall  be  kept  of  the  whole  business  of  criminal  police 
within  the  County,  so  far  as  the  same  is  recognizable  by  a  justice 
of  the  peace.  The  Constable  shall  be  directed  [83]  to  return 
all  warrants  to  this  Court,  and  any  person  carried  before  any 
other  magistrate  may  claim  examination   and  trial  before  said 


48  City  Document  No.  128.  , 

Court.  In  selecting  Justices  of  the  Police  Court  care  shall  be 
taken,  that  all  the  Justices  of  the  County  shall  be  taken  in  suc- 
cession quarterly,  if  they  shall  express  their  consent  to  act  as 
Justices  of  said  Court. 

Sec:  14''^  Be  it  further  enacted.  That  the  municipality  shall 
annually  appoint  a  Clerk  of  the  Police  Court,  who  shall  attend 
the  Court  daily  :  He  shall  keep  a  record  of  all  the  proceedings 
of  this  Court.  And  all  the  Justices  of  the  county  shall  make 
return  to  him  weekly  Copies  of  their  records  of  all  criminal  busi- 
ness transacted  by  them.  He  shall  reduce  to  writing  all  exam- 
inations, make  out  warrants,  receive  recognizances  and  transmit 
them  to  the  proper  Courts  &  perform  such  other  duties  as  the 
nature  of  his  otHce  may  require.  The  Justices  and  Clerk  to 
receive  in  addition  to  the  fees  established  by  law  such  further 
compensation  as  the  Municipality  shall  direct 
All  which  is  submitted 
John  Phillips  John  Cotton 

John  T.  Apthorp  Ecdf^.  Webster 

Ebenezer  T.  Andrews  A.  Crocker 

Francis  Welsh  W™.  Mackay 

John  Mackay  John  Wood 

Lynde  Walter  Joseph  Howe 

Jon'^.  Whitney  Ja*.  Robinson 

William  Homes  B.  Smith 

Jacob  Ehoades  Josiah  Quincy 

Thomas  Badger  G-eorge  Blake 

J.  C.  Ransford  Benj".  West 

Sep^.  25*^.  1815.  The  foregoing  Report  was  ordered  to  be 
printed  for  general  information. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  the  13"\  November  Next  10  O'Clock 
A.  M. 

[83.]  The  Town  met  at  10  o'Clock  A.  M.  according  to  ad- 
journment. 

The  Moderator  informed  the  Inhabitants  that  the  Report  of  the 
Committee  chosen  in  the  wards  had  been  printed  agreeably  to 
their  vote  of  the  16'^  ultimo,  and  that  the  Selectmen  were  ready 
to  receive  the  ballots  on  the  acceptance  of  the  Report. 

After  some  debate  it  was  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  receive 
the  yeas  &  Nays  untill  one  o'Clock,  and  that  the  Poll  should  be 
closed  at  that  time 

At  the  close  of  the  Poll  it  appeared  that  there  were  920  yeas 
&  951  nays  —  The  question  on  the  acceptance  of  the  Report 
passed  in  the  negative. — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1816.  -49 

1816. 

[84.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  11*^.  day  of  March 
A.  D.  1816  —  10  o'clock  A.  M. 

Prayer  by  Rev*^.  M'^'.  Frothingham. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Laws  respecting  the  Election  of  Town  Officers  —  read. 

John  Phillips,  Esquire,  chosen  Moderator. 

Thomas  Clark,  was  chosen  Town  Clerk,  for  the  year  ensuing, 
and  the  Oath  of  Office  was  administered  to  him  by  the  Moderator. 

Charles  Bulfinch  Robert  Williams 

Ebenezer  Oliver  George  G.  Lee 

Jonathan  Hunnewell         John  Bray  and 
Joseph  Lovering  ■  Turner  Phillips  Esquires — 

Joseph  Austin 
were  chosen  Selectmen  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  oath  required  by  Law  was   administered  to  the  six  first 

named  Gentlemen  by  the  Moderator. 

William  Smith  William  Mackay 

William  PhilUps  Joseph  Coolidge  Juu"". 

Redford  Webster  Joseph  Richards 

Thomas  Perkins  Jonathan  Phillips 

Samuel  Snelling  Samuel  May  and 

[85.]      Ozias  Goodwin  Jacob  Hall  Esquires 

were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  and  of  the  Workhouse  for  the 

year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  in  addition  to  the  Selectmen  twelve  persons  shall 
now  be  chosen  a  School  Committee ;  and  the  votes  being  col- 
lected it  appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen, 
viz  : — 

Rev*^.  Charles  Lowell  Charles  Davis 

Rev*^.  Horace  Holley  John  Heard  Jun"". 

Rev'^  Sami.  q   Thacher  Peter  O.  Thacher 

Doc"^.  Aaron  Dexter  Francis  J.  Oliver 

Doc"".  Thomas  Welsh  William  Smith  and 

Doc'".  John  C.  Warren  WiUiam  Wells  Esq'^ 

Voted,  That  the  above  named  Gentlemen  who  conjunctly  with 
the  Selectmen  are  termed  the  School  Committee,  be  and  hereby 
are  directed  to  carry  the  system  of  education  adopted  by  the 
Town   into    operation :    and    that   the   said   Committee   be   also 


50  City  Document  No.  128.. 

authorized  and  empowered  conjunctly  to  manage  and  regulate  the 
Government  of  the  Schools  ;  and  to  execute  all  the  powers  relative 
to  the  Schools  &  Schoolmasters  [86]  which  the  Selectmen  or 
such  Committees  are  authorized  by  the  laws  of  the  Commonwealth 
or  by  votes  of  the  Town  to  exercise. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Joseph 
Foster,  Benjamin  Weld  and  Edmund  Hart  Esquires  for  their 
faithful  services  as  Selectmen. 

Voted,  that  4  o'Clock  this  afternoon  be  assigned  for  receiving 
the  votes  for  a  Register  of  Deeds  for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

Adjourned  to  4  O'Clock,  P.  M. 

Town  met  according  to  adjournment. — 

John  Bray  and 

Turner  Phillips  Esquires, 
chosen  Selectmen,  appeared  &  being  qualified   by  the  Moderator, 
took  their  seats  at  the  Board. 

Thomas  Melvill  Samuel  M.  Thayer 

Andrew  Cunningham  Joseph  Tilden 

John  Winslow  Joseph  Austin 

Jon'*.  Hunewell  Benjamin  Rich 

Daniel  Messenger  Joseph  Lovering 

Benjamin  Smith  Gedney  King 

Natii^  Curtiss  Francis  J.  Oliver 

Edward  Cruft  John  D.  Williams 

James  Phillips  William  Harris 

Nathan  Webb  Stephen  Codman 

[87.]  John  Winslow  Jun"^. 

Jonathan  Loring, 

John  Mackay  and 

Bryant  P.  Tilden  Esq", 
were  chosen  Firewards  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  receive  the  votes 
for  a  Register  of  Deeds  for  the  County  of  Suffolk, 

The  Chairman  reported  that  the  whole  number  of  votes  was  479 
and  that  WilUam  AlUne  Esquire  had  440  and  John  J.  Loring  39. 

Votes  were  received  for  a  Treasurer  for  the  County  of  Suffolk 
by  Moderator  &  Town  Clerk  when  it  appeared  that  the  whole 
number  was  238  —  and  that  they  were  all  for  John  Winslow 
Esq"". 


Boston  Town  Records,  1816. 


51 


Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  William 
Sullivan  Esq"",  for  his  faithful  services  as  a  Fireward  for  many 
years  past. 


Mess".  Benjamin  White 
John  Cogswell 
William  Clouston 
W"'.  Ellison 
Nath^.  Bradlee 
Noah  Dogget 
Bradock  Loiing 
Thomas  Christie 

[88.] 


Mess'^'*.  William  Green 
Eleazer  Homer 
Joseph  Stodder 
Allen  Bowker 
William  Allison  Jun''. 
Naty.  Glover 
John  Howe  Jun'^'. 
Richard  Thayer 


Edward  J.  Robbins 

Henry  Blake 

Joseph  Tucker  and 

Moses  Eayres  Jun^ 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Boards  and  other  Lumber  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

Mess''^  Henry  Purkitt 
John  Smith 
Nath^  Howe  and 
Benjamin  Clark 
were  chosen  Cullers  of  Hoops  &  Staves. 


"Mess"^^.  Thomas  Barbour 

Nath^  Howe 

Benj^.  Clark 

Charles  Pook 

John  Bannister 

John  Smith 
were  chosen  Cullers  of  Dry  Fisli. 


Mess'^^.  Benj^.  Owen 
James  Brown 
William  J.  Hammatt 
Thomas  Lambord,  and 
Walter  Jackson 


Mess''^  Benjamin  White 

Nathaniel  Bradlee  and 
William  Ellison  Jun'^. 
were  chosen  Fence  viewers. 

Mess^^.  Barney  Sloan 

Joseph  Champney 
Joseph  Selaway  and 
Neddy  Curtis, 
were  chosen  Hogreeves  and  Hay  wards. 

Samuel  Emmons  and 
James  Phillips  Esquires, 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Hemp. 

[89.]         Mess'\  Edward  Tuckerman  and 

Josiah  Snelling  Esq'"^. 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Wheat 


52  City  Document  No.  12^. 

Mess".  John  Wells  and 
Richard  Austin 
were  chosen  Assay  Masters. 

The  Selectmen  were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Highways. 

Mess".  Michael  Homer 

Francis  James  and 
Samuel  Sprague 
were  chosen  Inspectors  of  Lime. 

Upon  the  petition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  '"That  the 
sense  of  the  Town  be  taken,  whether  the  business  and  duties  of 
the  Board  of  Health  cannot  be  as  fully  and  more  economically 
carried  into  effect,  by  three  or  more  suitable  men,  to  be  appointed 
by  the  Selectmen  and  amenable  to  them." 

Voted,  That,— Col  Thomas  Badger  for  Ward  N°.  1 
Redford  Webster  Esq^    -     -     2 
Benj^.  Smith  Esq'.      -     -     -     3 
Josiah  Marshall  Esq''.      -     -     4 
Benjamin  Weld  Esq''.       -     -     5 
Andrew  Sigourney  Esq''.  -     -     6 
William  H.  Sumner  Esq''.     -     7 
Francis  Welsh  Esq''.  -     -     -     8 
Hon\  Thomas  H.  Perkins    -     9 
Hon^  Daniel  Sargent  -     -     -  10 
Cap*.  John  Wood  -     -     -     -  11 
Barzillia  Homes     -     -     -     -  12 
Be  a  Committee  to  take  the  subject  of  the  said  [90]  Petition 
into  consideration,  to  confer  with  the  Committee  of  the  General 
Court,  who   have  a  Bill   respecting  the  Board  of  Health  under 
consideration,  and  to  report  at  the  adjournment. 


Mess''®.  Thomas  Badger  -  Wa; 
Samuel  Hichborn  - 
Turrell  Tuttle  -  - 
Enoch  Patterson  - 
William  Tileston  - 
Geo.  W.  Otis  -  - 
John  P.  Tborndike 
Caleb  Hayward  - 
Isaac  P.  Stimpson 
Joseph  Allen  -  - 
John  Roulston 
Samuel  Sprague    - 


d  N°.  1 

-  -  2 

-  -  3 

-  -  4 

-  -  5 

-  -  6 

-  -  7 


9 
10 
11 
12 


Were  chosen  Inspectors  of  the  Markets  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Inspectors  of  the  Markets  be  directed  to  pay 
attention  to  the  weight  of  bread  sold  by  the  different  bakers  in 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1816.  53 

this  Town,  and  take  measures  to  carry  the  law  regulating  that 
article  into  effect. 

Voted  —  That  Stephen  Codman,  Francis  T.  Oliver  &  John 
Osborn  Esquires,  be,  and  hereby  are  apjDointed  a  Committee  to 
audit  the  accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer,  and  also  those  of  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  &  Workhouse,  &  the  Board  of  Health. 
And  said  Committee  are  directed  to  report  the  sum  necessary  to 
be  raised  for  the  services  of  the  present  year. 

[91.]  Voted,  That  the  consideration  of  all  money  matters  be 
referred  to  the  May  Meeting. — 

Adjourned  to  Monday  the  25*^  day  of  March  instant — 10 
o'clock  A.  M. 

Monday  March  25*'^.  1816.     10  o'Clock  A.  M. 

Met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  Committee  of  the  Town  o.f  Boston,  appointed  at  a  Town 
meeting  on  the  eleventh  day  of  March  current  to  whom  was  com- 
mitted the  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants,  "That  the 
sense  of  the  Town  may  be  taken,  whether  the  business  and  duties 
of  the  Board  of  Health  cannot  be  as  fully,  and  more  economically, 
carried  into  effect  by  three  or  more  suitable  men,  to  be  appointed 
by  the  Selectmen  and  amenable  to  them." — have  at  several 
meetings,  taken  the  said  Petition  and  the  subject  committed  to 
them  into  consideration.  Your  Committee  (as  they  were  directed 
by  the  Town  conferred  with  the  Committee  of  the  General  Court ; 
they  also  requested  the  Board  of  Health,  or  such  a  Committee  as 
they  should  appoint,  to  meet  and  confer  with  yoior  Committee, 
which  request  was  complied  with ;  and  your  Committee,  having 
thereby  become  possessed  of  the  views,  and  wishes  of  the  Board 
of  Health,  are  happy  to  inform  the  Town  that  it  is  not  the  desire 
of  any  of  the  members  of  that  Board,  that  their  services  should 
be  paid  for  by  the  Town,  either  by  the  establishment  of  Salaries 
[93]  or  by  the  receipt  of  fees.  Your  Committee  entertain  the 
belief,  that  the  extensive  powers  which  it  is  necessary  that  a 
Board  of  Health  should  possess,  may,  with  the  greatest  safety, 
be  vested  in  such  of  our  patriotic  fellow  Citizens,  as  shall 
annually  be  selected,  for  their  known  humanity,  and  public  spirit ; 
and  such  as  would  expect  no  other  reward  for  their  services,  than 
the  approbation  of  their  Townsmen  ;  and  are,  therefore  unan- 
imously of  opinion,  that  it  would  be  inexpedient  to  transfer  these 
extensive  powers  from  men,  residing  in  the  several  parts  of  the 
Town  &  annually  chosen  by  the  Citizens  in  their  respective 
wards  ;  to  such  Superintendents  as  the  Selectmen  should  appoint, 


54  City  Document  No.  12§. 

as  such  would  serve  the  Town  for  hire  only,  and  would  expect  to 
be  rewarded  only  by  the  pecuniary  advantages  resulting  from 
their  official  situations. 

Your  Committee  have  examined  the  Health  Laws,  and  find  that 
the  powers  of  the  Board  of  Health  are  given  by  eight  different 
Statutes.  From  the  number  of  acts,  and  a  want  of  suitable  pre- 
cision of  expression  in  some  of  them,  doubts  have  arisen  in  the 
interpretation  of  the  Laws  :  and  the  powers  of  the  Board  of 
Health  have  been  found  sometimes  to  interfere  with  those  of  the 
Selectmen,  &  vice  versa.  Some  of  the  doubts  and  inconve- 
niences, which  have  arisen,  under  existing  laws,  will  be  enumer- 
ated. 

There  are  varioits  modes  pointed  out  for  the  recovery  of  fines 
and  penalties,  which  have  unnecessarily  increased  the  cost  of 
prosecution  ;  which  might  easily  be  simplified. 

In  consequence  of  the  number  of  Laws  which  [93]  have  been 
made,  since  the  establishment  of  the  Board  of  Health,  regarding 
and  altering  the  Jurisdiction  of  the  various  Courts  in  this  County, 
there  is  a  doubt  whether  any  Court  in  the  County  has  an  appel- 
late Jurisdiction,  in  any  case  which  has  been  decided  by  a  .Justice 
of  the  Peace  :  and  since  a  decision  of  the  Boston  Court  of  Com- 
mon Pleas,  and  an  opinion  given  by  one  of  the  .Justices  of  the 
Supreme  Court,  it  is  uncertain  whether,  as  the  laws  now  stand, 
there  is  any  mode  of  enforcing  a  compliance  with  them  by  any 
legal  process  whatever. 

It  is  doubtful  whether  the  Board  have  the  right  to  oblige  a 
family  in  which  a  person  shall  be  found  infected  with  any  con- 
tagious disease,  to  retain  such  person  in  the  house  until  he  or  she 
can,  with  safety,  be  removed  to  the  Hospital.  —  It  is  doubtful 
whether  the  powers  of  the  Board  extend  to  the  removal  of  any 
nuisances  other  than  those  particularly  enumerated  in  the 
Statutes. — 

And  as  the  Board  of  Health  have  doubts  whether,  under  the 
existing  Laws,  they  have  power  from  time  to  time  to  alter  their 
Quarantine  Regulations,  your  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  all 
doubts  on  that  subject  should  be  removed,  and  that  the  Board  of 
Health  should  have  the  power,  and  should  take  the  responsibility, 
of  regulating  the  Quarantine  of  vessells  from  time  to  time,  accord- 
ing to  existing  circumstances. 

Your  Committee  are  of  opinion,  that  by  combining  all  the  vari- 
ous existing  powers  into  one  Statute,  the  difficulties  aforesaid  and 
others,  which  it  is  unnecessary  particularly  to  enumerate,  might 
be  removed ;  the  law  would  be  rendered  more  intelligible  and  less 
[94]  expensive  in  its  execution  ;  but  they  cannot  at  present 
discern  a  necessity  for  the  appointment  of  any  new  officers,  or 
for  conferring  (except  as  before  alluded  to)  any  7iew  poioers  on 
the  Board  of  Health  —  And  as  the  subject  has  already  been  taken 
up  in  the  Legislature,  and  a  Committee,  consisting  of  three  of 
our  most  respectable  Townsmen,  have  now  the  subject  under 
consideration ;  and  as  that  Committee  are  not  disposed  to  report 


Boston  Town  Records,  1816.  55 

to  the  Legislature  any  law,  which  will  not  be  agreeable  to  the 
Town ;  but  will  with  pleasure,  advise  and  consult  with  such  a 
Committee  as  the  Town  shall  appoint  for  the  purpose  of  guarding 
the  Towns  interests  ;  Your  Committee  beg  leave  respectfully  to 
recommend  to  the  Town  the  adoption  of  [the]  following  vote. — 

Voted,  that 
be  a  Committee,  to  take  the  subject  of  the  Laws  regarding  the 
Health  of  the  Town  of  Boston  into  consideration ;  and  to  confer 
with  any  Committee  appointed  by  either  branch  of  the  Legisla- 
ture ;  with  power  to  consent  to  such  a  modification  of  the  existing 
Laws  as  shall,  in  their  opinion  best  comport  with  the  rights  and 
interests  of  the  Town. 

Tho®.  H.  Perkins,  Chairman  per  order. 
Boston  March  21^'.  1816. 

The  foregoing  report  was  read  &  accepted  by  the  Town ;  and 
the  blank  was  filled  with  the  names  of  the  following  Gentlemen 
as  the  Committee  —  viz*. 

Hon^  Tho^.  H.  Perkins 
Hon^  Daniel  Sargent 
[95.]     Benjamin  Weld  Esq.  Josiah  Marshall  Esq. 

Redford  Webster  Esq.  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq. 

Thomas  Badger  Esq.  Francis  Welsh  Esq. 

William  H.  Sumner  Esq.        John  Wood  Esq.  and 
Benj^.  Smith  Esq.  Barzillai  Homes  Esq. 

Rev**.  Joshua  Huntington  was  chosen  one  of  the  School  Com- 
mittee in  place  of  Rev^.  S.  C.  Thacher,  who  declined  serving. 

Voted,  That  Peter  O.  Thacher  Esq.,  Benjamin  Russell  Esq. 
and  Mr.  Joseph  Callander  be  a  Committee  to  revise  the  bye  laws 
relative  to  the  Market,  and  upon  conferring  with  the  Inspectors 
of  the  Market,  to  consider  what  additional  powers  should  be 
given  to  them,  and  what  regulations  can  be  adopted  to  enable 
them  to  execute  the  duties  of  their  appointment  and  report. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Hon^ 
John  Phillips  Esquire,  for  his  services  as  Moderator  of  this 
meeting. 

Then  the  Meetino-  was  Dissolved. 


[96.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  of  twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upwards,  qualified  as  the 
Constitution  prescribes  and  legally  warned  and  assembled  at 
Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  first  day  of  April  1816  —  9  O'Clock 
A.  M. 


56  City  Document  No.  128. 

Prayer  b}'  the  Rev'^.  M''.  Sharpe. 
Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  or  Frame  of  Government,  rela- 
tive to  the  choice  of  Goveruour,  Lieutenant  Governour  and  Sen- 
ators, read. — 

Law  of  the  Commonwealth  dividing  the  State  into  Districts  for 
the  choice  of  Counsellors  and  Senators,  read. 

It  was  afterwards  determined  that  the  Poll  should  be  closed  at 
2  O'clock,  and  that  the  bells  begin  tolling  at  half  past  one. — 

Persons  voted  for  as  Governour,  with  the  number  of  votes  for 
eacli  person,  viz. 

Honi.  John  Brooks  - 3522 

Hon^.  Samuel  Dexter 2022 

His  Excellency  Caleb  Strong       -     -     .  1 

Honi.  William  Gray      -------  3 

Henry  A.  S,  Dearborn      -----  2 

5550. 

Persons  voted  for  as  Lieutenant  Governour,  with  the  number 
of  Votes  for  each  person,  viz. — 

His  Honour  William  Phillips 3562 

Honi.  WilUam  King 1941 

Hon^  William  Gray 7 

Ch^  Carter  1.    John  Holmes  1.    Tho^Melville  1  -     -  3 

John  Brooks  1.    James  Prince  1.     H.  Dearborn  1     -  3 


5516 


[97.]     Persons   voted    for    as    Senators    for  the   District    of 
Suffolk,  with  the  number  of  votes  for  each  pei'son,  viz. 

Honi.  Harrison  G,  Otis 3520 

"      John  Phillips 3536 

"     Thomas  H.  Perkins       -     -     -     -  3523 

"     Josiah  Quincy 3461 

"     Jonathan  Hunnewell     -     -     -     -  3515 

"      Richard  Sullivan      -----  3523 

"     Henry  Dearborn       -     -     -     -     -  1923 

David  Townsend  Escf.       -     -     -  1941 

William  Little  Esq^      -     -     -     -  1933 

Russell  Sturgis  Esq^    -     -     -     -  1919 

Caleb  Bingham  Esq''.    -     -     -     -  1941 

Wilham  Ingalls  Esq^  -     -     -     -  1939 

James  Lloyd 33 


Boston  Town  Records,  1816.  57 

D.  Sargent  1.     C.  Loring  2.     Abraham  Jones  1  -     -  4 

T.  K.  Jones  2.     W".  Tudor  2.     Josiah  Dow  4     -     -  8 

Arnold  VYelles  1.     Frink  Roberts  2    ------  3 

S.  H.  Walley  1.    Ed  Jones  1.     Sam  Brown  1.     Enos 

Cobb  1. -     -     -  4 

Ch^  Bulfinch  1.     Geo.  Blake  1.     Tris.  Barnard  1.     -  3 

Ben.  Smith  1.     John  Wells  1.     A  W  Fuller  2       -     -  4 

AV"\  Gray  1.     Geo.  Cabot  1.     Benj.  Austin  1      -     -  3 

Benjamin  Russell  1.     Geo.  Darricot  1 2 

Attested  Copies  or  return  of  the  persons  voted  for  as  Govern- 
our,  Lieutenant  Governour  &  Senators  for  the  District  of 
Suffolk  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting,  after  the  vote  had  been 
declared,  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth 
as  prescribed  by  Law,  and  directed  as  follows,  viz. 

To  Alden  Bradford  Esq''.  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts — Votes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  for  Governour  & 
Lieutenant  Governour  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting. 

Also  for  six  Senators  for  the  District  of  Suffolk,  directed  in 
the  same  manner. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[98.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  of  twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upwards,  qualified  as  the 
Constitution  prescribes,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  the  16*^  day  of 
May  A  D  1816.     10  O'Clock  A.  M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev*^.  M^  Dean. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  read. 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  relating  to  the  choice  of  Repre- 
sentatives, read 

The  return  of  the  Assistant  Assessors  signifying  that  the  major 
and  minor  polls  were  9729  —  being  also  read.  The  Inhabitants 
were  directed  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  Representatives  not  ex- 
ceeding Forty  three. 

Votes  were  received  by  the  Selectmen  untill  half  past  one 
o'clock,  when  they  declared  the  Poll  to  be  closed. 

The  whole  number  of  votes  given  in  was  791,  necessary  to 
make  a  choice  396. 


58  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  following  gentlemen  were  nearly  unanimously  elected,  viz, 

James  Robinson  AVilliam  H.  Sumner 

Josiah  Bachelder  Ephraim  Thayer 

Stephen  Codman  Nathaniel  Curtis 

Benjamin  Russell  William  Tudor  jun''. 

Benjamin  Whitman  Richard  Faxon 
Charles  Davis 

[99.]  John  U.  Howard  Benjamin  Whitwell 

Thacher  Goddard  Thomas  W.  Sumner 

Lynde  Walter  Samuel  Hubbard 

Jonathan  Loring  Benjamin  Rand 

Jonathan  Whitney  John  French 

Joseph  Pierce  Gedney  King 

Andrew  Sigourney  Charles  W.  Greene 

Thomas  Barry  Joseph  W.  Revere 

Henry  Sargent  John  Cotton 

William  Harris  John  Mackay 

Benjamin  Gorham  Edward  T.  Channing 

AVilliam  Sturgis  Peter  0.  Thacher 

John  Howe  of  Ward  N°.  12  David  Sears  Jun^ 

Nathan  Appleton  Josiah  Bradlee 

George  Sullivan  Josiah  Marshall  and 

Israel  Thorndike  Jun''.  Benjamin  Smith 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[  100.]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  27*^  day  of  May 
A.  D.  1816.  10  o'clock  A.  M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  read. 

Hon^  John  Phillips  Esq^  chosen  Moderator. 

John  Howe  of  Ward  N°.  12  was  chosen  a  Selectman,  in  the 
place  of  George  G.  Lee,  Esquire,  deceased. 

Thomas  Wigglesworth  Esq^.  was  chosen  on  the  School  Com- 
mittee in  place  of  William  Smith,  Esq"",  deceased. 

Edward  Tuckerman  Jun'".  Esq^  was  chosen  an  Overseer  of  the 
Poor  &  of  the  Work  house  in  place  of  WilUam  Smith  Esq',  de- 
ceased. 

Turner  Phillips  Esq'',  was  chosen  a  Fire  Ward,  in  place  of 
Bryant  P.  Tilden  Esq^  resigned. 

Edward  Tuckerman  William  Hammatt 

William  Dall  Peter  O.  Thacher  and 

Joshua  Davis  Thomas   Dawes  Esquires, 
were  chosen  Trustees  of  Neck  Land. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1816.  59 

William  Trefrey,  was  chosen  a  Culler  of  Dry  Fish. 

A  Petition  from  the  Assessors,  that  the  Town  would  grant 
them  a  further  compensation  for  their  services,  was  read. — 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  the  [101]  petitioners 
have  leave  to  withdraw  their  petition,  which  being  put,  passed 
in  the  affirmative. 

The  Committee  appointed  on  the  1 1*^^  day  of  March  last  ' '  to 
audit  the  accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer,  and  to  report  the  sum 
necessary  to  be  raised  for  the  services  of  the  present  year  "  have 
attended  that  service  &  ask  leave  to  report,'  that  they  have  exam- 
ined the  Accounts  of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq^.  the  Town  Treas- 
urer &  Collector  herewith  —  that  they  find  the  same  correctly 
stated,  right  cast,  and  well  vouched,  and  that  there  remains  [as] 
abalance  in  the  hands  of  the  Treasurer  the  sum  of  $19,224.4  cents 
belonging  to  the  Town. 

Your  Committee  further  report  that  the  Standing  Committee 
of  finance  having  informed  them  that  in  their  annual  report  to 
the  Town,  on  the  subject  of  their  monied  concerns  they  have 
stated  the  sum  which  in  their  opinion  would  be  necessary  to  be 
raised  by  the  Town  for  the  services  of  the  present  year ;  your 
Committee  therefore  beg  leave  to  refer  the  Town  to  that  report 
for  such  further  information  on  that  subject  as  may  be  neces- 
sary, all  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 

Stephen  Codman  per  Order. - 

The  above  Report  read  &  accepted  by  the  Town. 

■  Upon  the  representation  &  exhibition  of  the  doings  &  proceed- 
ings of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esquire,  Treasurer  &  Collector  of 
taxes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  this  last  year. 

Voted,  that  the  Town  of  Boston  highly  approve  of  the  conduct 
of  said  Andrew  Sigourney  Esquire  in  the  said  offices  of 
Treasurer  &  Collector,  and  that  [103]  he  has  faithfully  &  fully 
as  was  in  his  power  completed  the  execution  of  his  duty  in  said 
offices  to  which  he  has  been  appointed  as  aforesaid,  and  that  he 
be  excused  from  all  delinquency  or  default  in  not  having  effected 
the  full  and  complete  settlement  of  the  taxes  by  him  to  have 
been  received  or  collected  according  to  law. 

Fourth  annual  report 
of  the 
Committee  of  Finance  of  the  Town  of  Boston. 

In  the  year  1812  The  Town  voted,  that  the  Selectmen,  Over- 
seers of  the  Poor  &  Board  of  health  should  be  constituted  & 


60  City  Docctment  No.  128. 

appointed  a  Committee  of  finance,  to  superintend  the  admin- 
istration of  the  monied  concerns  of  the  Town  :  Among  other  duties 
they  were  directed  to  prepare  a  clear  and  well  defined  statement 
of  the  Treasury,  and  of  the  monied  concerns  of  the  town,  to  be 
presented  at  the  annual  Meeting  in  May. 

In  conformity  to  these  directions,  the  Committee  have  attended 
to  the  duty  assigned  them,  and  present  the  following,  as  the 
fourth  annual  report. 

The  amount  of  the  warrants  for  taxes  in   1815,  were 

For  State  Tax .     .     .         24,709.33 

County  Tax  ----------         21,828. 

Town  Tax -       109,000. 


155,537.33 


The    amount  assessed  with  the  addition    allowed 

to  anticipate  probable  abatements      -     -     -     -    $158,402.80 


[103.]     Amount  received  by  the  Treasurer  from 

Ocf^.  VK   1815  to  20"'.  May  1816     -     -     -     -  $146,801.44 

Amount  of  Abatements 6,575.10 

Balance  remaining  uncollected 5,026.26 


$158,402.80 


He  has  received  on  back  taxes  from  1804  to  1814 

inclusive -     .     -     .  4547.19 

On  last  years  tax  as  above 146801.44 

151348.63 


The  following  is  a  statement  of  the  Towns  Debts  and  Credits. 
D''.  Town  of  Boston. — 

On  State  tax     -     -     -     -     - 14709.33 

County  of  Suffolk -     -  17789.5 

Notes  due  to  several  individuals 36100. — 

M''^  Brookers  donation  —  the  interest  of  which  |  ^^g^ 

is  paid  annually  to  Widows  and  sick  persons  j 
Selectmen  &  Overseers  drafts  unpaid   -     -     -     -  109.12 

69937.50 
Unliquidated  accounts 6062.50 

$76,000. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1816. 


61 


By  several  notes  for  land  sold        $6779.63 

due  for  State  Poor 7002. 

Taxes  receivable  estimated  at 3000. 

$16781.63 
Cash  in  the  Treasury     - 19249.4 

$36030.67 
Balance - 39969.33 


$76000.— 


The  balance  of   the   Account   current  of   the 
Town  last  year,  was  --- 

the  above  statement  shows  it  to  be  at  present 


And  exhibits  the  amount  of  | 
Debt  which  has  been  paid  j 


$63886.84 
$39969.33 


$23917.51 


[104.]  The  Committee  are  gratified  in  being  able  to  state, 
that  the  system  recommended  by  them  in  1814  has,  in  its  effects 
exceeded  their  most  sanguine  expectations.  Having  been  ably 
and  steadily  pursued  by  the  Treasurer  &  Collector,  order  & 
perspicuous  arrangement  have  been  introduced  into  the  Treasury 
department;  the  collections  have  become  prompt  and  regular 
without  harassing  or  oppressing  the  citizens ;  such  punctuality 
is  observed  in  payments  that  only  109  dollars  are  now  unpaid, 
on  the  drafts  of  the  Selectmen,  Overseers  and  Board  of  Health, 
and  the  outstanding  debt  is  reduced  to  39969  dollars. — 

They  recommend  the  pursuance  of  the  same  system,  and  offer 
the  following  estimates  and  statements  for  the  present  year. 
The  demands  on  the  Town  being 

as  above  stated  ----- 76000. 

add  thereto  for  current  expences  of  the  year 

For  Selectmen 63000 

Overseers  of  the  poor 25000 

Board  of  Health     .------        8000 

96000. 

Amount  of  State  Tax 22141.33 

County  Tax 21000. 

Interest  on  Outstanding  debt  referred    -     -     -  2400. 


From  which  deduct  two  installments  of  old  debt 
each  of  14000  dollars,  to  be  paid  in  two  suc- 
ceeding years 

Amount  to  be  paid  this  year  ------- 


^217541.33 


28000. 


$189,541.33 


62  City  Document  No.  128. 

[105.]      To  be  proTided  for  as  follows. 

From  money  in  the  Treasury      -     -  19249.4 

Notes  for  land  falling  due      -     -     -  6779.63 

From  Commonwealth  for  Poor    -     -  7002. 

Rents  of  Market,  Town  house  &c.     -  12000. 

Taxes  receivable  outstanding     _     -  3000. 

Amount      assessed      for 

State  tax       -     -     -     -    22141.33 
D''.  County  Tax  -     21000. 
D".  Town  Tax     -     96000. 
addition     for      probable 

abatements  -     -     -     -     10000. 

$149141.33 


$197172.— 

The  Committee  recommend  that  the  Town  should  vote  a  tax  of 
96,000  dollars  and  ten  thousand  dollars  to  meet  the  abatements. 
The  amount  will  defray  the  current  expences  of  the  year,  and  one 
installment  of  the  deferred  debt  and  interest :  they  are  gratified 
in  finding,  that  these  objects  may  be  efi'ected,  &  that  the  amount 
of  taxes  laid  be  about  9000  dollars  less  than  in  the  past  year. — 
Respectfully  submitted 
By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Finance 

Charles  Bulfinch 

Chairman. — 

The  foregoing  report  was  read,   and  accepted   by  the  Town, 
and, — 

Voted,  That  the  sum  of  ninety  six  thousand  dollars  be  raised  by 
a  tax  to  be  assessed  upon  the  Polls  and  Estates  of  the  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town,  to  defray  the  expences  of  the  Town  the  present 
year;  and  the  further  sum  of  Ten  Thousand  dollars  to  meet 
abatements  of  Taxes. 

[106.]  Voted,  That  the  Treasurer  be  authorized  to  borrow  a 
sum  not  exceeding  Seventy  six  thousand  dollars,  if  the  same 
should  be  found  necessary,  in  his  opinion  for  the  use  of  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  to  the  Hon^  Thomas 
Dawes  the  sum  of  seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  as  his  salary 
as  .Judge  of  the  Municipal  Court  for  the  present  year. — 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Thomas  Clark,  Town 
Clerk,  the  sum  of  One  Thousand  Dollars  as  his  Salary  for  the 
present  year. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  each  of  the  three  per- 
manent Assessors  the  sum  of  Eight  hundred  &  sixteen  dollars 
each  as  their  salary  for  the  present  year. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1816.  63 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  &  paid  unto  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq'., 
the  sum  of  Three  Thousand  dollars,  in  full  for  his  services  as 
Town  Treasurer  &  Collector  of  Taxes,  for  Clerk  hire  and  all  other 
expences  in  the  delivery  of  tax  bills  &  eollection  of  Taxes. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. — 


[107.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  4*^. 
day  of  July  A.D.  1816  —  10  O'Clock  A.  M.  — 

Warrant  for  calling  the  meeting  —  read 

Thomas  Clark  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  last  year  to  make  choice  of  a 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  Anniversary  of  Indepen- 
dence—  Reported  —  That  they  have  chosen  George  Sullivan 
Esquire  who  had  accepted  the  appointment. 

Adjourned   to  meet  at  the  Old  South  Church  at  12  O'Clock  M. 

Met  at  the  Old  South  Church  where  an  Oration  was  delivered 
by  George  Sullivan  Esq'",  to  commemorate  the  Independence  of 
the  United  States  of  America. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  wait  on  George  Sullivan  Esq*",  in  the  name  of  the  Town, 
and  thank  him  for  the  elegant  and  spirited  Oration  this  day  deliv- 
ered by  him  at  the  request  of  the  Town  upon  the  Anniversarj^  of 
American  Independence,  in  which  were  considered  the  feelings, 
manners  &  principles  which  produced  the  great  event  and  the 
important  and  happy  effects,  general  and  domestic,  which  have 
already,  or  will  forever  flow  from  that  auspicious  epoch ;  and  to 
request  of  him  a  copy  for  the  press. 

Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen  Selectmen  be,  and  hereby  are 
appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  some  [108]  able  and  learned 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  4"\  day  of  July  1817. 
That  day  being  the  Anniversary  of  the  Independence  of  the 
United  States  of  America ;  wherein  the  Orator  is  to  consider  the 
feelings,  manners  &  principles,  which  led  to  this  great  national 
event ;  as  well  as  the  important  and  happy  effects  which  have 
already,  or  will  forever  flow  from  that  auspicious  Epoch.  — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved.  — 


At  a  Convention  of  the  Board  of  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the 
Poor,  and  Board  of  Health,  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  held  at 
Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  8^^.  day  of  July  A.D.  1816  —  4 
O'clock  P.M. 


64  City  Document  No.  128. 

Present  a  Majority  of  each  Board. 

Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

Ebenezer  Oliver  &  Joseph  Coolidge  j''.  Esquires  were  appointed  a 
Committee  to  receive  sort  and  count  the  votes. 

The  Committee  reported  that  the  whole  number  of  Votes  were 
24  and  that  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq'',  was  unanimously  chosen 
Town  Treasurer  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted,  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  one  Collector  of  Taxes. 

The  Committee  having  collected  the  votes.  Reported  that 
Andrew  Sigourney  Esq'',  was  unanimously  elected  Collector  of 
Taxes  for  the  year  ensuing. 

M'^.  Sigourney  having  been  notified  of  his  appointment  to  the 
above  offices,  declared  his  acceptance,  and  proposed  the  Hon''^®. 
Jonathan  Hunnewell  &  Benjamin  Weld  Esq'',  as  his  Bondsmen. 

Voted,  That  the  above  named  Gentlemen  be  accepted  as  M"". 
Sigourneys  Bondsmen,  &  that  they  execute  a  Bond  of  Twenty 
thousand  dollars  as  Treasurer,  and  another  Bond  for  the  same 
sum  as  Collector  of  Taxes. 

Voted,  That  M'".  Oliver,  of  the  Board  of  Selectmen,  M''.  Snelling, 
of  the  Overseers  &  M"".  .Jackson  of  the  Board  of  Health,  be  a 
Committee  to  see  that  the  Bonds  are  given  by  the  Treasurer  & 
that  he  is  qualified  according  to  law. 

Then  the  Convention  was  Dissolved. 


[109.]  At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  duly  qualified  to  vote  for  Representatives  in  the 
General  Court  of  this  Commonwealth,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on 
Monday  the  4"'.  day  of  November  A.D.  1816  —  10  o'Clock 
A.M.— 

Prayer  by  the  Rev<^.  M''.  Winchell. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read.  — 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  of  the  United  States,  and  of  a 
Resolve  of  the  General  Court  for  choosing  one  Representative  in 
the  Congress  of  the  United  States  for  the  District  of  Suffolk 
being  read  —  The  Inhabitants  were  infonned  that  the  Poll  would 
be  closed  at  half  past  one  o'Clock.  — 


Boston  Toavn  Records,  1817.  65 

Persons  voted  for  as  a  Representative  for  the  Suffolk  District 
in  this  Commonwealth  in  the  next  Congress  of  the  United  States, 
viz.  — 

Hon".  James  Lloyd  Esq^  —  828 
Will"'.  Sullivan  Esq^      1 
And   declaration    thereof   made   by   the    Selectmen  in   Public 
Town  Meeting.  — 

A  return  of  the  doings  of  this  Meeting  was  made  out  conform- 
able to  the  printed  direction  of  the  General  Court  &  forwarded  to 
the  Secretary's  office  by  the  Town  Clerk.  — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[110.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  10"\  day  of  March 
A.D.  1817  — 10  oClock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev'^.  M"".  Ware 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read.  — 

Law  respecting  the  Election  of  Town  Officers  —  read. 

Hon''^®.  John  Phillips  Esq'",  was  chosen  Moderator.  — 

Thomas  Clark  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  year  ensuing, 
and  the  oath  of  office  was  administered  to  him  by  the  Moderator. 

Charles  Bulfinch  Ebenezer  Oliver 

Jonathan  Hunnewell  Joseph  Lovering 

Joseph  Austin  Turner  Phillips 

Henry  Bass  Samuel  Dorr  and 

Enoch  Silsby  Esquires  were  chosen 
Selectmen  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Oath  of  office  was  administered  to  the  six  first  named 
Gentlemen  b}'  the  Moderator. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Robert  Williams 
Esq'',  for  his  faithful  services  as  one  of  the  Selectmen  for  several 
years  past.  — 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  John  Bray  Esq"", 
for  his  faithful  services  as  one  of  the  Selectmen  the  past  year. 

Hon^  William  Phillips  Esq^  Redford  Webster 

Thomas  Perkins  Samuel  Snelling 

Ozias  Goodwin  William  Mackay 

Joseph  CooUdge  jun''.  Joseph  Richards 

Jonathan  PhiUips  Samuel  May 

Jacob  Hall  and  Edw*^.  Tuckerman  Jun''.  Esc/^ 


66  City  Document  No.  128., 

were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  and  of  the  Work  House  the 
year  ensuing. 

[111.]  Voted,  That  in  addition  to  the  Selectmen  twelve 
persons  shall  now  be  chosen  a  School  Committee ;  and  the  votes 
being  collected  it  appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were 
chosen,  viz 


Rev*!. 

Charles  Lowell 

Charles  Davis 

Eev'i. 

Horace  Holley 

Peter  0.  Thacher 

Eev^. 

Joshua  Huntington 

Francis  J  Oliver 

Doct^ 

,  Aaron  Dexter 

William  Wells 

Doct^ 

.  Thomas  Welsh 

Thomas  Wiggiesworth  & 

Doct"^, 

.  John  C.  Warren 

Benjamin  Russell  Esq''^ 

Voted,  That  the  above  named  Gentlemen  who  conjunctly  with 
the  Selectmen  are  termed  the  School  Committee,  be,  and  hereby 
are  directed  to  carry  the  System  of  Education  adopted  by  the 
Town  into  operation  ;  and  that  said  Committee  be  also  authorized 
and  empowered  conjunctly  to  manage  and  regulate  the  govern- 
ment of  the  Schools ;  and  to  execute  all  the  powers  relative  to 
the  Schools  and  School  Masters  which  the  Selectmen  or  such 
Committees  are  authorized  by  the  laws  of  the  Commonwealth  or 
by  votes  of  the  Town  to  exercise. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  John  Heard 
Esq"",  for  his  faithful  services  as  one  of  the  School  Committee  for 
many  years  past 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Edward  Cruft 
and  John  Winslow  jun^.  Esq'"®,  for  their  faithful  services  as  Fire- 
wards  for  several  years  past. 

Thomas  Melvill  Andrew  Cunningham 

John  Winslow  Stephen  Codman 

Jonathan  Hunewell  Daniel  Messenger 

Joshua  Davis  Benj'^.  Smith 

Nath^  Curtis  James  Phillips 

Bryant  P.  Tilden  Nathan  Webb 

Sam^.  M.  Thayer  Joseph  Tilden 

Joseph  Austin  Benj*.  Rich 
Joseph  Lovering   [113.]  Gedney  King 

Francis  J.  Oliver  John  D.  ^Hlliams 

William  Harris  Jonathan  Loring 

John  Mackay  and  Turner  Phillips  Esq''®,  were  chosen 
Firewards  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Votes  were  received  for  a  Treasurer  for  the  county  of  Suffolk 
by  the  Moderator  and  Town  Clerk  —  when  it  appeared  that  John 
Winslow  Esq'',  had  one  hundred  &  forty  seven  votes,  &  A  Young 
one  vote 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1817. 


67 


Mess'"^  Benj\  White 

William  Clouston 
Noah  Doggett 
Allen  Bowker 
W".  Green 
Joseph  Stodder 
Nath\  Glover 
Richard  Thayer 
Henry  Blake 
Moses  Eayres  and 
Surveyors  of  Boards  and  other  Lumber 

Mess".  Henry  Purkett 
Nath^.  Howe  & 
chosen  cullers  of  Hoops  &  Staves. 

Mess".  Thomas  Barbour 
Benj.  Clark 
John  Bannister 
James  Brown 
Thomas  Lombard  and 
chosen  Cullers  of  Dry  Fish. 


John  Cogswell 

Nathi.  Bradlee 

Bradock  Loring 

Thomas  Christie 

Eleazer  Homer 

WiU'".  Ellison 

John  Howe  Jun'^. 

Edw'^.  J.  Robbins 

Jos^.  Tucker 

Benj^.  Harris  were  chosen 


Benj^  Clark 
Benjamin  Owen  were 


Nath^  Howe 
Charles  Pook 
Benj^.  Owen 
W".  J.  Hammatt 
Walter  Jackson  were 


[113.]  Mess".  Benjamin  White  Nath^.  Bradlee 

William  Ellison  and      John  Howe  jun^'.  were 
chosen  Fence  viewers  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess".  Barney  Sloan  Joseph  Champney 

Joseph  Selaway  and  Nedd}'-  Curtis  were  chosen 

Hogreeves  and  Haywards  for  the  ensuing  year. 


Surveyors  of  Hemp. 


Surveyors  of  Wheat. 


Samuel  Emmons  and 

James  Philhps  Esauires,  were  chosen 

Edward  Tuckerman  and 

Josiah  Snelling  Esquires,  were  chosen 


Mess".  John  Wells  and 

Richard  Austin  —  were    chosen   Assay 
Masters. 

Mess".  Michael  Homer 

Francis  James  and 

Samuel  Sprague  were  chosen  Inspectors 
of  Lime  for  the  year  ensuing. 

The  Selectmen  were  chosen  Surveyors  of  High  Way. 

Voted,  That  Stephen  Codman,  Francis  J.  Oliver  and  Robert  G-. 
Shaw  Esquires,  be    and   hereby  are    appointed    a   Committee   to 


68  City  Document  No.  128. 

Audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer,  and  also  those  of  the 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  &  Work  House  and  the  Board  of  Health  — 
and  said  Committee  are  directed  to  report  the  sum  necessary  to  be 
raised  for  the  services  of  the  present  year.  — 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  John  Osborn 
Esq"",  for  his  faithful  services  as  one  of  the  Auditors  of  Accounts 
for  several  years  past. 

Voted,  That  the  consideration  of  all  money  matters  be  referred  to 
May  Meeting. 

The  Committee  who  were  appointed  to  revise  the  Bye  laws  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  relative  to  the  Market,  and  to  confer  with  the 
Inspectors  of  the  Market  upon  the  expediency  of  adopting  any 
[114]  further  regulations  for  the  good  order  of  the  same 
"report  that  pursuant  to  their  appointment  they  have  had  a 
Conference  with  the  Inspectors  of  the  Market,  and  have  received 
from  that  body  the  following  communication. 

The  Inspectors  of  the  Market  within  the  town  of  Boston  are 
by  their  office  expected  to  enquire  after  and  to  cause  to  be  prose- 
cuted offences  committed  in  or  against  the  Market.  But  as  they 
derive  no  authority  from  the  laws  of  the  Commonwealth,  and  are 
elected  by  the  voluntary  act  of  their  fellow  citizens,  they  possess 
no  real  powers ;  and  they  are  apprehensive,  that  the  public  can 
derive  no  essential  advantage  from  their  appointment.  By  recur- 
ring to  a  report  made  to  the  Town  at  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants 
on  the  24 — May  1813 — It  appears,  that  for  the  many  offences 
which  may  be  committed  against  the  community  in  the  Market ; 
the  law  contemplates  adequate  remedies ;  but  from  experience  it 
is  found  that,  such  is  the  neghgence  of  the  citizens,  prosecutions 
are  very  rare  and  seldom  result  in  the  conviction  of  offenders. 

The  object  of  all  regulations  on  the  subject  of  the  Market 
should  be,  to  facilitate  the  bringing  of  produce  to  the  Market  by 
the  growers  of  the  same,  and  to  encourage  the  sale  of  it  there, 
by  them  to  the  consumers,  so  as  to  avoid  the  increase  of  price, 
■which  must  be  paid  to  venders  on  commission  ;  but  the  Inspectors 
are  sensible  that  in  multiplying  regulations  there  is  danger  of 
shackling  the  freedom  of  trade,  and  causing  at  times  a  deficiency 
in  the  regular  supply  of  the  Market  on  which  much  of  its  utility 
depends.  Evils  arise  in  this  town  from  the  contracted  limits  of 
the  Market,  which  are  found  not  sufficient  for  the  accommoda- 
tion of  those  who  come  to  sell,  and  of  those  who  come  to  buy, 
while  the  market  continues  in  its  present  local  situation,  partial 
remedies  only  can  be  applied  to  existing  evils. 

The  Inspectors  are  aware  that  very  much  depends  on  the  vigil- 
ance of  the  citizens,  and  in  the  hope  that  some  benefit  will  be 
derived  to  them,  and  perhaps  some  revenue  to  the  Town,  they 
recommend  the  following  additional  regulations,  to  be  adopted 
and  enforced  by  proper  legal  authority  —viz  — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1817.  69 

First  —  That  no  inhabitant  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  or  any  neigh- 
bouring town,  not  offering  for  sale  the  produce  of  his  own  farm 
shall  at  any  season  of  the  year,  be  permitted  to  occupy  any 
stand  with  Cart  or  otherwise  for  the  purpose  of  vending  commod- 
ities in  Dock  Square.  — 

Second  —  That  all  the  Stalls  in  the  Market  be  offered  to  be 
leased  by  the  Selectmen  once  a  year  at  public  auction,  and  that 
among  other  [115]  conditions  of  the  lease  it  should  be  inserted, 
that  the  Lessee  shall  forfeit  his  lease  and  all  monies  paid  for  the 
same,  if  he,  or  any  person  under  him,  or  with  his  connivance,  or 
permission  should  commit  any  offence  against  the  laws  or  regula- 
tions of  the  Market ;  and  that  the  Selectmen  shall  have  authority 
to  hear  and  finally  determine  all  complaints  respecting  the  breach 
of  this  condition,  and  to  deprive  offenders  of  their  Stalls.  This 
regulation  to  be  in  addition  to  the  penalties,  which  are  provided 
for  offences  by  existing  laws. 

Third,  That  the  office  of  Inspectors  of  the  Market  be  discon- 
tinued, and  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  be  authorized  to  appoint 
annually  two  or  more  Clerks  of  the  Market,  to  be  under  oath  for 
the  faithful  performance  of  the  duties  of  their  office,  and  to  be 
allowed  a  suitable  compensation  for  their  services.  The  said 
Clerks,  in  addition  to  collecting  the  rents  of  the  Stalls  and 
inspecting  the  conduct  of  the  occupants  of  the  same,  shall 
regulate  the  standing  of  horses,  carts  &  other  incumbrances  in 
and  about  the  Market  and  in  the  Streets  leading  to  the  same : 
Shall  see  that  all  orders  and  regulations  on  these  subjects  be 
observed ;  and  shall  inform  of  and  duly  prosecute  all  offences 
which  may  in  any  way  come  to  their  knowledge,  and  which  shall 
be  committed  in  the  Market  or  elsewhere  against  the  laws, 
regulations  and  freedom  of  the  same. 

Thomas  Badger,  Chairman. 

W"\  Tileston,  Secretary. 

Conceiving  that  the  communication  from  the  Inspectors  of  the 
Market  results  from  much  experience  and  attentive  observation, 
and  fully  approving  of  its  principles,  your  Committee  ask  leave 
to  propose  to  their  fellow  citizens  to  adopt  the  following  votes 
and  Bye  law,  viz. 

Voted,  That  all  the  Stalls  in  the  Market  be  offered  to  be  leased 
by  the  Selectmen  once  a  year,  at  public  Auction,  and  upon  such 
terms  and  conditions  as  they  may  deem  proper :  but  that  among 
the  terms  and  conditions  of  the  lease,  it  shall  be  inserted,  "That 
the  Lessee  shall  forfeit  his  lease  and  all  monies  paid  for  the  same, 
if  he,  or  any  person  under  him,  or  with  his  connivance,  or  per- 
mission shall  commit  any  offence  against  the  laws  or  regulations 
of  the  Market,  or  against  the  general  or  special  laws  regulating 
the  same.  —  and  that  the  Selectmen  shall  have  authority  to  hear, 
and  finally  to  determine  all  complaints  respecting  the  breach  of 
this  condition,  and  thereupon  to  take  from  said  Lessee,  or  any 
person  under  him  the  said  Stall." 


70  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted,  That  the  oflica  of  Inspectors  of  the  Market  be  discon- 
tinued, [116]  and  the  Selectmen  of  the  town  shall  annually, 
and  oftener,  if  need  be,  appoint  one  or  more  substantial  citizens 
to  be  Clerks  of  the  Market,  and  to  allow  to  him  or  them  a  suitable 
compensation  for  his  or  their  services.  And  it  shall  be  the  duty 
of  every  such  Clerk,  in  addition  to  collecting  the  rents  of  the 
Stalls  and  inspecting  the  conduct  of  occupants  of  the  same,  to 
regulate  the  standing  of  Carts,  Horses,  and  other  incmnbrances 
in  &  about  the  Market,  and  in  the  Streets  leading  thereto,  so  that 
there  may  always  be  a  free  and  convenient  passage  in  &  through 
the  same  :  and  it  shall  further  be  the  duty  of  every  such  Clerk,  to 
see  that  all  orders  and  regulations  of  the  Selectmen  on  these  sub- 
jects be  observed,  and  to  inform  of,  &  duly  to  prosecute  all 
offences,  which  may  in  any  way  come  to  their  knowledge,  &  which 
shall  be  committed  in  the  Market,  or  elsewhere,  against  the  laws, 
regulations  &  freedom  of  the  same  :  and  lastly,  every  such  Clerk 
shall  be  under  Oath  faithfully  to  perform  the  duties  of  his  office 
and  shall  be  liable  to  be  removed  from  his  said  office  by  the 
Selectmen  whenever  they  shall  deem  it  expedient  so  to  do. 

"  Bye  Law\  — 

"It  is  hereby  ordered,  that  no  Inhabitant  of  the  town  of  Bos- 
ton, or  of  any  town  in  the  vicinity  thereof,  not  offering  for  sale 
the  produce  of  his  own  farm,  shall  at  any  season  of  the  year,  be 
permitted  to  occupy  any  stand  with  Cart,  Sleigh  or  otherwise,  for 
the  purpose  of  vending  commodities  in  Dock  Square,  or  in  the 
square  lying  between  Union  Street  and  the  Stalls  to  the  North  & 
West  of  the  Market :  —  and  i  f  any  such  person  shall  presume  to 
occupy  with  Cart,  Sleigh  or  otherwise  any  stand  in  Dock  Square, 
or  in  the  square  lying  between  Union  Street  &  the  Stalls  to  the 
north  west  of  the  Market,  after  being  ordered  to  remove  there- 
from by  the  Clerk  of  the  Market,  or  by  any  person  thereunto 
authorized  by  the  Selectmen  of  the  town,  he  shall  forfeit  a  sum 
not  exceeding  five  dollars  nor  less  than  two  dollars  for  every 
hour,  in  which  he  shall  continue  to  offend  in  this  respect,  the  one 
moiety  thereof  to  the  use  of  the  complainant,  and  the  other  moiety 
thereof  to  the  use  of  the  town. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted 
.    by. 

Peter  O.  Thacher  "^ 
Benjamin  Russell  [■  Committee 
Joseph  Callender  ) 

[117.]  The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  accepted  —  And 
ordered  that  the  Town  Clerk  lay  the  Bye  Law  contained  in  the 
said  Report  before  Hon^^^.  Justices  of  the  Court  of  Sessions  for 
confirmation. 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Hon^ 
John  Phillips  Esq'',  for  his  services  as  moderator  of  this  meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1817.  71 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston  of 
twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upwards,  qualified  as  the  Constitu- 
tion prescribes  and  legally  warned  and  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall 
on  Monday  the  seventh  day  of  April  A.  D.  1817  —  9  O'Clock 
A.  M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev"^.  Doet"^.  Baldwin. — 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  or  Frame  of  Government,  rela- 
tive to  the  choice  of  Governour,  Lieutenant  Governour,  and 
Senators. — read. 

Law  of  the  Commonwealth  dividing  the  State  into  districts  for  the 
choice  of  Counsellors  and  Senators  —  read. — 

It  was  afterwards  determined  that  the  Poll  should  be  closed  at 
2  O'clock  —  the  Bells  to  begin  tolling  at  half  past  one. 

Persons  voted  for  as  Governour,  with  the  number  of  votes  for 
each  person  —  viz 

His  Excellency  John  Brooks 3578. — 

Hon^  Henry  Dearborn 1315. — 

Nathaniel  Noyes 1. — 

4894  — 


Persons  voted  for  as  Lieutenant  Governour,  with  the  number 
of  votes  for  each  person  —  viz. 

His  Honour  William  Phillips 3567  — 

Honi.  Wilham  King  -     -     -     -     -     -     -  1301 

Edw*i.  jj_  Robbins     -------  1 

William  Gray  - 1 

Joseph  B.  Varnum 2 

W".  Lawrence  2.  Sam^.  Whitwell  1  -     -  3 


4875 

[118.]     Persons  voted  for  as  Senators  for  the   District   of 
Suffolk,  with  the  number  of  votes  for  each  person. 

Hon\  John  Phillips 3556 

John  Welles       -     -     .     - 3547 

Josiah  Quincy   --- 3502 

Thomas  H.  Perkins     -     - 3533 

Jonathan  Hunnewell    -     -     -     -     -     -     -  3540 

Richard  Sullivan 3544 

Samuel  Brown 1275 

W".  Little  Esq^ 1270 

D^  W™.  Ingalls 1273 

James  T.  Austin  Esq^'. 1266 

Thomas  Badger  Esq"". 1259 

Henry  Orne  Esq^. 1253 


72  City  Document  No.  128. 

David  Townsend  Esq^'.  19  —  Daniel  Carney  7  —  Josiah  Dow  3  — 
JSTatli'.  Fisher  2.  W".  Prescott  1  — Tristram  Barnard  3  — Henry 
H.  Tuckerman  2.  R*^.  D.  Harris  1 — Joshua  Clapp  2- — Jos.  N. 
Howe  2  — W"\  A.  Fales  1  — W".  Mackay  1— Frank  Roberts  1 

—  Sami.  Snelling  i.  W".  Bangs  2  —  Rich*^.  S.  Howe  1  — W«'. 
Bordman  1  —  W"^.  Lawrence  1— W™.  Foster  1— Art^  Ward  1 

—  Lorenzo  Draper  2.  W"\  Sullivan  2.  John  C.  Jones  3.  Geo. 
Cabot  1.  H.  G.  Otis  3.  Jon'\  Mason  1.  Jos.  Tilden  1.  Dan^ 
Sargent  1.  James  Robinson  1 — Bryant  P.  Tilden  1.  Dan'. 
Messenger  1  — H.  Goodrich  1  — Joseph  Smith  1  — James  Carter 
1 — Henry  A.  S.  Dearborn  1.  Will"\  Thompson  _f.  1.  Simon 
Wilkinson  1  — Lamson  Bullard  1.  Dan'.  Tuttle  1.  — P.  F. 
Dagrand  1 — Barney  Smith  1 — Gerry  Fairbanks  1  —  Th^  K. 
Jones  1  —  Jesse  Putnam  1  —  Sam'.  Billings  2  ■ — ■  Tho^  Cushing 
1  — 

Attested  Copies  or  return  of  the  persons  voted  for  as  Govern- 
our,  Lieutenant  Governour  &  Senators  for  the  District  of  Suffolk 
sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting,  after  the  vote  had  been  de- 
clared, to  be  transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth 
as  prescribed  by  Law,  and  directed  as  follows  —  viz  — 

To  Alden  Bradford  Escf .  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts.  —  Yotes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  for  Governour 
&  Lieutenant  Governour  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting  —  Also 
for  Six  Senators  for  the  District  of  Suffolk,  directed  in  the  same 
manner. 

Then  the  Meetins;  was  Dissolved. 


[119.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  22*^  day  of  April 
A.D.  1817  — 

WaiTant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Hon'''*'.  John  Phillips  Esq"^.  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  meeting  was  called  ' '  to  consider  and  act  upon  the  petition 
of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants,  that  the  Selectmen  my  be  em- 
powered to  choose  a  Committee  of  such  a  number  of  discreet 
citizens  as  they  may  find  expedient,  to  take  into  consideration  the 
Bye  Laws  for  the  regulation  of  Carts  &  Trucks,  and  to  report 
such  modifications  and  changes  of  the  present  regulations  as  in 
the  opinion  of  such  Committee  may  be  just  and  reasonable,  and 
consistent  with  the  rights  and  welfare  of  the  community  ' ' 

The  Petition  being  read,  it  was  moved  and  Voted,  That  the 
Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Boston  be  and  they  hereby  are  author- 
ized &  empowered  to  appoint  a  Committee  consisting  of  seven 


Boston  Town  Records,  1817.  73 

citizens  of  this  town ;  which  Committee  shall  have  power  to  take 
into  consideration  the  several  orders  &  Bye  Laws  now  in  force 
regulating  the  carriage  of  goods,  merchandize  and  all  other 
articles,  on  Carts,  Trucks  or  Waggons  within  said  town ;  and  to 
report  at  an  adjourned  meeting,  all  such  amendments,  alterations 
and  additions  to  said  orders  and  Bye  Laws  as  in  the  opinion  of 
said  Committee  may  be  necessary  and  proper. 

Adjourned,  to  Tuesday  the  6  day  of  Ma}'  next  —  then  to  meet 
at  this  place  at  10  O'Clock  A.M.  — 

Tuesday  May  6^\ 
The  Town  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The   Moderator  informed  the  Inhabitants  that  the  Selectmen 
had,  in  conformity  to  a  vote  of  the  Town  appointed 

William  Sullivan  Isaac  Winslow 

Thomas  Badger  Benjamin  Rich 

Richard  D.  Tucker  Eben''.  Farley  and 

Josiah  Bradlee  Esq''®. 
a  Committee  to  take  into  consideration  the  petition  relative  to 
Carts  &  Trucks. 

[1*^0.]  M^  W"*.  Sullivan  Chairman  of  the  Committee  ap- 
pointed for  that  purpose  arose  and  stated  to  the  meeting,  that 
they  had  several  times  met  upon  the  subject  committed  to  them, 
but  were  not  ready  to  report ;  and  moved  for  an  adjournment  of 
the  meeting  to  the  fifth  day  of  June  next  —  The  question  being 
taken,  it  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  5"\  day  of  June  next  10  O'Clock  A.M. 


At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
of  twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upwards,  qualified  as  the  Consti- 
tution prescribes,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  lo*^**  day 
of  May  A.D.  1817  —  10  O'Clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev^.  JM"".  Holley. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read  — 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  relating  to  the  choice  of 
Representatives  —  read  — 

The  return  from  the  Board  of  Assistant  Assessors  signifying 
that  the  major  and  minor  polls  were  9448  —  being  also  read. — 
The  Inhabitants  were  directed  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  Repre- 
sentatives not  exceeding  forty  two. — 

The  Poll  was  closed  at  half  past  1  O'Clock. 


74  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  whole  number  of  votes  given  in  were  542  —  necessary  to 
make  a  choice  272 

The  following  Gentlemen  had  a  majority  of  Votes,  and  were 
declared  to  be  duly  elected  Eepresentatives  for  the  year  ensuing 
—  viz*. 

Stephen  Codman  Benjamin  Whitwell 

Josiah  Bachelder  Benjamin  Smith 

Benjamin  Russell  John  Cotton 

Thomas  W.  Sumner  Josiah  Marshall 

Benjamin  Whitman  John  Mackay 

Charles  Davis  Peter  O.  Thacher 

W"\  H.  Sumner  Joseph  W.  Revere 

William  Tudor  jnn*'.  Samuel  Hubbard 

[131.]   John  D.  Howard  Benjamin  Rand 

Jonathan  Loring  John  French 

Thomas  Barry  Josiah  Bradlee 

Henry  Sargent  David  Sears 

Benjamin  Gorham  Edward  T.  Channing 

John  Howe  Samuel  Swett  and 

Francis  Bassett 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[123.]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  26  day  of  May 
A.D.  1817.  —  10  O'clock  A.M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read  — 

Hon'.  John  Phillips  Esq'',  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Voted,  That  the  Communication  from  Ward  N.  Boylston  Esq'", 
be  referred  to  a  Committee  of  the  Town  with  instructions  to 
report  at  an  adjournment  of  the  meeting  a  statement  of  facts, 
with  their  opinion  as  to  the  best  course  to  be  taken  by  the  Town. 

James  T.  Austin,  Sam\  vSwett,  Stephen  Codman,  Arnold  Welles 
and  Nathan  Webb  Esquires,  were  chosen  a  Committee  agreeably 
to  the  above  vote.  — 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  on  the  10"'  day  of 
March  last,  to  "Audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer,  and 
also  those  of  the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor  and  Work- 
house, and  the  Board  of  Health ;  with  directions  to  report  the 
sum  necessary  to  be  raised  for  the  services  of  the  present  year, " 
have  attended  to  the  service  assigned  them  by  examining  the 
Accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer  and  Collector,  of  the  monies  by 
him  received  and  paid ;  they  find  the  same  right  cast  and  well 


.  Boston  Town  Records,  1817.  75 

vouched  ;  that  there  resnlts  a  balance  of  Eighteen  thousand,  Eight 
hundred,  &  fifty  eight  Dollars  &  forty  cents  remaining  in  the 
hands  of  the  Treasurer  belonging  to  the  Town.  This  Account 
which  is  handed  herewith,  includes  all  the  drafts  made  on  the 
Treasurer  by  the  Selectmen,  Overseers  and  the  Board  of  Health, 
who  are  authorized  by  the  Town  to  appropriate  the  Towns  money 
for  the  several  purposes  within  their  respective  departments  — 
the  general  particulars  of  which  your  Committee  presume  will 
appear  by  the  statement  which  is  annually  made  to  the  Town  by 
the  standing  Committee  of  Finance ;  to  which  Report  your  Com- 
mittee also  refer  the  Town  for  the  amount  of  the  sum  necessary 
to  be  raised  for  the  services  of  the  present  year.  —  all  which  is 
respectfully  submitted. 

Stephen  Codman  Chairman 
of  Committee  —  p  Order  — 
Boston  May  1817. 

[133.]  Fifth  annual  report 

of  the  Committee  of  Finance  of  the 
Town  of  Boston. 

The  Committee  of  Finance  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  consisting 
of  the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor  &  Board  of  Health,  have 
attended  to  the  duty  assigned  to  them  by  the  Town ;  have 
examined  the  Books  of  the  Treasiu'er  &  Collector  and  are  sat- 
isfied with  the  diligence  and  attention  of  that  officer  and  with  the 
accuracy  of  his  accounts. 

They  present  the  following  report. 

The  Amount  of  Warrants  for  taxes  in  1816,  given  to  the 
Treasurer  &  Collector,  were 

For  State  Tax -        $26639.76 

"  Town  &  County  Tax     - 131015.94 

-   0157655.70 


Amount   received    by  the   Treasurer  from    1^ 

Ocf.  1816  to  20**'.  May  1817 $144818.60 

Amount  of  Abatements 7379.50 

Balance  remaining  uncollected      -     -     .     .     -  5457.60 


$157655.70 

from  which  it  appears,  that  the  whole  tax  has  been  paid  or 
settled  in  less  than  eight  months,  excepting  about  5000  Dollars, 
from  which  the  Treasurer  estimates  nearly  one  half  may  be 
collected  :  This  promptness  your  Committee  think  honourable  to 
the  Treasurer  and  to  the  Inhabitants ;  and  is  an  instance  of 
well  managed  financial  concerns,  scarcely  to  be  met  with  in  any 
other  City  or  Town  containing  so  great  a  number  of  Inhabitants. 


76 


City  Document  No.  128. 


D'".  The  Town  of  Boston. 

On  State  Tax  -     -     - 

County  of  Suffolk 

Notes  to  several  Persons 

M''^  Brookers  donation,  a  fund  the  interest  of 
which  is  paid  annually  to  Widows  and  Sick 
persons  

Balance  unpaid  on  Selectmens  and  Overseers 
Drafts 

Unliquidated  Accounts  -------- 


$17141.33 

12100.. 

33500. 

1230. 

158.60 

64129.93 

5870.7 

$70,000. 

[134.]  The  Town  of  Boston      -  -  C. 

By  Several  Notes  for  Land  &c     .     -  -  -     -  $3539.73 

Due  for  State  Poor -  -     .  7000. 

"  Taxes  uncollected  estimated,  at  -  -  -     -  2000. 

$12539.73 
Cash  in  the  Treasury 18858.40 

31398.13 
Balance 38601.87 


The  balance  of  the  Account  Current  last  year 
was 

The  above  statement  shows  it  to  be  at  present 


And  exhibits  the  sum  paid  this  year  of  the  \ 
old  Debt  -     -     -     - [ , 


$70,000.- 


$39969.33 
38601.87 

1367.46 


A  calculation  was  made  in  the  last  year's  report  to  pay  off  14000 
Dollars  of  the  Debt ;  but  this  expectation  has  not  been  realized, 
owing  to  unexpected  demands  in  the  Selectmens  department,  for 
improvements  in  streets  to  the  amount  of  8000  Dollars  —  and  to 
the  expences  of  the  alms  House,  which  have  exceeded  the 
estimates  about  6000  Dollars  in  consequence  of  the  hardships  of 
the  poor  from  the  severity  of  Winter  &  the  stagnation  of  Busi- 
ness. —  These  circumstances  it  is  hoped,  will  not  again  occur  to 
intercept   the  operation  of  the  sinking  fund ;  but  to  secure   its 


Boston  Town  Records,  1817. 


77 


full  effect,  it  is  advisable  to  appropriate  a  larger  amount  than  has 
been  usual,  to  contingent  unforseen  expences. 

The  demands   of  the   Town   being    as    above 

stated     $70,000 

Add  thereto  for  current  expences  of  the  [year] 

as  follows 
For  Selectmen  70,000.     Overseers  $30,000     -      100,000 

Board  of  Health -     -  6,500 

-  Amount  of  State  Tax -     -        22,000 

County  Tax 21,000 

Interest  on  outstanding  debt 2400 


$221,900 


From  which  deduct  two  installments  of  old  ^ 
Debt  —  each  of  14000  dollars,  to  be  paid  > 
in  two  succeeding  years )  28,000. 

$193,900. 
[135.]     To  be  provided  for  as  follows 

From  money  in  the  Treasury 18858.40 

Notes  becoming  due       -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -  3539.73 

From  Commonwealth  for  Poor 7000. 

Rent  of  Market,  Town  house  &c      -     -     .     -  12000. 

Taxes  receivable,  outstanding      -----  2000. 

Amount    assessed    for    State 

tax 22000 

D°.       -     -    County  Tax  -  21000 

D°.  Town    107,501.87    Abate- 
ments 10,000    -     ...     -  117501.87 

160501.87 

$203900.— 


The  Committee  recommend,  that  the  Town  should  vote  a  tax 
of  107501  Dollars  &  10000  in  addition  to  meet  the  abatements  ; 
this  amount  will  defray  the  current  expences  of  the  year  &  one 
installment  of  the  deferred  debt. 

Respectfully  submitted, 
By  Order  of  the  Com**®,  of  Finance. 

Charles  Bulfinch  Chairman. 

The  foregoing  report  was  read  and  accepted  by  the  Town. 

Voted,  That  the  sum  of  one  hundred  and  seventeen  thousand, 
five  hundred  &  one  dollars,  be  raised  by  a  tax  to  be  assessd 
upon  the  Polls  &  Estates  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town,  to 
defray  the  expences  of  the  town  the  present  year. 


Upon  the  representation  and  exhibition  of  the  doings  and  pro- 
ceedings of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq'^.  Treasurer  &  Collector  of 
Taxes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  the  last  year. 


7  8  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted,  that  the  Town  of  Boston  highly  approve  of  the  conduct  of 
the  said  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq'',  in  the  said  offices  of  Treasurer 
and  Collector,  and  that  he  has  faithfully,  as  was  in  his  power 
completed  the  execution  of  his  duty  in  said  offices  to  which  he 
has  been  appointed  as  aforesaid,  and  that  he  be  excused  from  all 
delinquency  or  default  in  not  having  effected  the  full  and  com- 
plete settlement  of  the  taxes  by  him  to  have  been  received  or 
collected  according  to  Law.  — 

[1^6.]  The  memorial  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants 
"  That  a  suitable  compensation  be  annexed  to  the  office  of  Chair- 
man of  the  Selectmen"  being  read  —  it  was  moved  and 

Voted,  That  the  Memorial  be  referred  to  the  Committee  of 
Finance  who  are  to  enquire  if  the  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  is 
entitled  to  any  Compensation  — to  determine  upon  the  amount  of 
such  Compensation  not  exceeding  One  thousand  Dollars.  — 

Edward  Tuckerman  William  Hammatt 

William  Dall  Peter  O.  Thacher  and 

Joshua  Davis  Thomas  Dawes  Esq". 

w^ere  chosen  Trustees  of  Neck  Land. 

Mess'^*.  Romanus  Emerson  & 
Abel  Hewens 
were  chosen  Fence  viewers  for  the  District  of  South  Boston. 

Voted,  That  the  Treasurer  be  authorized  to  borrow  a  sum  not 
exceeding  Seventy  thousand  dollars,  if  the  same  should  be  found 
necessary  for  the  service  of  the  Town.  — 

On  the  application  of  his  Honour  William  Phillips  Esq''. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Treasurer  be  authorized  and  directed  to 
receive  from  his  Honour  Wilham  Phillips,  Esq^  the  amount 
of  the  sum  bequeathed  to  the  Town  by  the  Will  of  his  late 
Father,  towards  the  building  of  a  Hospital,  and  to  execute  a 
Release  for  the  same  in  behalf  of  the  Town,  and  that  the  Town 
Treasurer  pay  the  same  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Massachusetts 
General  Hospital  to  be  applied  to  the  purposes  of  that  Institution. 

The  Selectmen  laid  before  the  town  a  list  of  persons  they  had 
selected  to  serve  as  Jurors,  at  any  Court  for  which  they  may  be 
drawn,  for  three  years  next  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  accept  the  list  of  persons  to  serve  as 
Jurors,  presented  by  the  Selectmen,  and  confirai  their  doings.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  cause  a  Pound  to 
be  built  in  South  Boston,  in  such  a  situation  as  they  shall  con- 
sider best  suited  to  the  public  convenience. 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1817.  79 

[137.]  Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  the  Hon'''®. 
Thomas  Dawes  the  suni  of  Seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  as  his 
Salary  as  Judge  of  the  Municipal  Court  for  the  present  year. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Thomas  Clark, 
Town  Clerk  the  sum  of  One  thonsand  dollars  as  his  Salary  for 
the  present  year. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  the  sum  of  One  thousand  Dollars  to  each  of 
the  permanent  Assessors  of  the  Town  for  the  present  year. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Andrew  Sigourney 
Esq'',  the  sum  of  three  thousand  Dollars,  in  full  for  his  services 
as  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector  of  taxes,  for  Clerk  hire  and  all 
other  expences  in  the  delivery  of  tax  bills  &  collection  of  taxes. 

The  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  for  additional 
Schools,  was  referred  to  the  School  Committee,  with  the  addition 
of  one  person  from  each  ward,  to  be  appointed  by  the  Selectmen. 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  the  5  day  of  June  next  10  O'Clock 
A.M.— 

Monday  June  5"\  1817  — 
Met  according  to  adjournment  from  the  6"\  Ultim". 

The  Moderator  being  absent 

Stephen  Codman  Esq^'. 
was  chosen  Moderator,  Pro.  tern. 

The  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred  the  Petition  of  Adam 
Smith,  and  others.  Truckmen,  beg  leave  to  report. — 

That  as  the  Streets  of  Boston  are,  and  lawfully  may  be  used  as 
highways  by  persons  who  are  not  subject  to  those  restrictions 
which  may  be  imposed  on  the  inhabitants  of  the  town,  great 
damage  will  continue  to  be  done  by  the  carrying  of  heavy  loads 
on  the  streets  and  which  cannot  be  prevented  by  any  town 
authority  unless  further  power  should  be  given  by  the  Legislature. 
It  appears  to  the  Committee  reasonable,  that  carriers^  who  live  in 
adjoining  towns,  and  whose  usual  &  daily  employment  is  the 
transportation  of  various  articles  to  and  from  the  places  of  busi- 
ness in  this  town,  should  be  restrained  in  the  carrying  of  loads  as 
the  [138]  Inhabitants  of  the  town  are  restrained.  Whether 
it  will  be  expedient  to  regulate  this  intercourse  between  this 
town,  and  other  towns,  and  the  mode  of  doing  it,  if  it  can,  & 
ought  to  be  done,  should  be  left,  as  the  Committee  conceive,  to 
the  discretion  of  the  Selectmen,  with  the  request  on  the  part  of 
the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town,  that  the  Selectmen  would  petition 


80  City  Document  No.   128. 

for  any  further  legislative  provisions  on  these  subjects,  -which 
they  may  find  to  be  proper  :  and  make  such  representations  to 
the  proprietors  of  Bridges^  which  lead  into  the  town,  as  they 
may  find  to  be  expedient.  — 

The  Committee  have  diligently  inquii'ed  concerning  the  loads 
which  are  usually  carried  in  the  streets  of  the  town  by  the  in- 
habitants thereof  &  have  examined  the  Bye  Laws  now  in  force 
on  this  subject ;  they  find  that  it  is  not  unlawful  to  carry  one 
perch  of  Stone ;  or  twenty  bushels  of  gravel  or  sand ;  or  one 
Chaldron  of  Coal ;  or  six  feet  of  Wood  ;  or  one  thousand  feet  of 
board;  in  any  one  load ;  each  of  which  are  equal,  at  least  to  one 
ton  and  ;ui  half  in  weight,  and  that  no  complaint  is  made  of  such 
loads,  nor  is  any  injury  supposed  to  be  done  to  the  streets  by 
the  carry  thereof  ;  nor  is  it  supposed,  that  any  load  which  can  be 
conveniently  &  easily,  drawn  by  two  horses,  on  wheels,  (with  the 
width  of  tire,  which  the  Law  now  requires)  will  do  any  injury  to 
the  streets,  excepting  in  the  spring  season ;  and  the  Committee, 
having  to  propose  regulations  for  carrying^  during  the  spring 
season,  are  of  opinion,  that  the  petition  to  be  allowed  to  carry  a 
weight  not  exceeding  one  ton  &  an  half  is  reasonable ;  and  that 
no  greater  weight  than  one  ton  and  an  half,  ought  to  be  drawn  by 
two  horses,  within  the  Town  of  Boston. 

They  beg  leave  to  present,  for  the  consideration  of  the  town, 
votes  which  express  the  result  of  their  deliberations  on  this 
subject. 

The  Committtee  have  also  considered  whether  any  and  what 
change  could  be  made  in  the  form  of  the  trucks  now  in  use,  and 
have  obtained  information  as  to  the  forms  in  use  in  other  great 
towns. 

In  most  of  the  Southern  Cities,  one  horse  Carts  are  used, 
excepting  for  the  bringing  heavy  articles  from  the  Country. 
[139]  many  persons  are  desirous  of  introducing  the  like  mode 
of  carrying  among  us ;  or  of  reducing  the  length  of  the  truck 
now  in  use,  and  the  Committee  attended  to  every  suggestion  of 
this  nature,  with  an  earnest  disposition  to  discover  &  propose  to 
the  town  such  reform  as  would  be  generally  acceptable ;  They 
have  come  to  the  conclusion  that  carrying  is  no  where  done  with 
more  safety  and  expedition  than  in  this  town; — that  with  the 
introduction  of  one  horse  cars  would  come  difficulties  much  less 
tolerable  than  those  now  complained  of;  and  that  important  dis- 
advantages would  accrue  from  the  use  of  such  cars  which  the 
Committee  need  not  enumerate  in  this  report ;  and  among  them, 
that  the  side  ways  would  be  oftener,  and  longer,  and  more 
inconveniently  obstructed  in  the  places  of  busiuess  than  they  now 
are,  while  the  cars  were  loading  &  unloading ;  and  that  the 
number  of  moving  obstructions  in  the  streets  from  the  necessarily 
increased  number  of  vehicles,  which  would  be  used  therein.  — 
The  Committee  believe  that  the  present  form  of  Trucks  may  be 
easily  passed,  when  moving  in  the  street  as  a  Waggon  drawn  by 


Boston  Town  Records,  1817.  81 

two  horses  could  be  passed ;  and  that  the  principal  objection  to 
the  present  form  is,  that  when  set  across  some  streets  to  load 
and  unload,  a  sufficient  and  convenient  width  for  passing  is  not 
left ;  and  the  Committee  recommend  that  the  Bye-Laws  on  this 
subject  should  be  most  rigidly  enforced.  — The  Committee,  after 
the  most  diligent  attention  to  this  subject,  are  not  able  to  pro- 
pose any  reform  which  can,  and  ought  to  be,  effected  by  Law,  or 
by  the  regulations  of  the  town. 

They  believe  that  if  any  change  for  the  better  can  be  effected, 
it  must  result  from  experiment  and  that  this  could  be  made  by  a 
voluntary  association  among  individuals,  who  might,  at  a  small 
expence,  or  at  the  expence  of  the  town,  under  the  direction  of 
the  Selectmen,  ascertain  whether  any  changes  can  be  made 
whereby  the  business  of  the  town  might  be  done  more  con- 
veniently and  advantageously  than  at  present :  and  that  while 
the  present  form  of  trucks  continues,  it  would  be  most  con- 
venient to  the  truck  owners,  and  to  those  who  employ  them 
to  have  the  length  of  the  truck  twenty  four  feet  &  six  inches, 
and  not  twenty  five  feet  as  some  of  them  now  are.  — 

The  Committee  have  proposed  and  herewith  submit  the  votes 
they  suppose  to  be  proper  on  this  subject  for  the  consideration  of 
[130]  the  Town.  — The  Committee  also  considered  the  cruelty^ 
which  is  so  often  practised  in  the  streets  on  horses  used  in  the 
draft  and  are  certain  that  they'express  the  feelings  of  their  fellow 
citizens,  in  reprobating  this  practice  as  inhuman^  in  those  who 
are  guilty  of  it ;  and  as  disgraceful  to  the  town. 

It  may  not  be  proper  to  found  legislative  provisions  upon  those 
sentiments  which  are  commonly  felt  for  the  most  noble,  generous, 
and  useful  of  animals,  but  it  is  certainly,  one  of  the  most  imperi- 
ous duties  of  all  well  ordered  society,  to  prevent,  whenever  it  can 
be  done,  oppression  and  cruelty. 

All  citizens  have  a  common  right  in  the  streets ;  and  the  right 
to  use  them,  without  being  afflicted  by  scenes  of  suffering,  which 
are  occasioned  by  mere  wantonness  and  barbarity. 

The  use  of  the  lohip  is,  sometimes  necessary,  and  justifiable ; 
but  all  citizens  whose  business  requires  the  power  of  horses,  have, 
it  is  to  be  presumed,  such,  as  can  perform  ail  proper  and  reason- 
able labor,  by  ordinary  caution,  and  without  distressing  violence. 

It  is  believed  to  be  no  less  for  the  interest,  than  it  is  the  duty, 
of  such  citizens,  not  to  take  persons  into  employ,  who  have  no 
feeling  for  the  animals,  which  are  submitted  to  their  power,  nor 
any  regard,  while  exercising  power,  for  the  feelings  of  their  fellow 
men. 

The  Committee  beg  leave  to  offer  to  the  town  such  votes  on 
this  subject  as  have  appeared  to  them  necessary,  signed, 
W"^.  Sullivan,  Josiah  Bradlee,  Eben''.  Farley 
Benj.  Rich,  Tho^.  Badger,  Isaac  Winslow. — Committee 
Boston  June  4^i\  1817.— 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  accepted  by  the  town,  and 
the  following  Bye  Law^s  were  passed,  and  ordered  to  be  laid  before 
the  Court  of  Session  for  confirmation. 


82  City  Document  No.  128. 

It  is  hereby  ordered  —  That  no  truck  shall  be  used  within  the 
town  of  Boston,  the  length  whereof  from  the  end  of  the  shaft,  to 
the  extreme  end  of  the  side  shall  be  greater  than  twenty  four  feet 
and  six  inches  ;  and  that  any  regulation  or  Bye  Law  now  in  force 
inconsistent  with  this  provision,  be  and  the  same  is  hereby 
repealed  ;  and  that  if  any  truck  shall  hereafter  be  used  of  greater 
length  than  twenty  four  [131]  feet  and  six  inches  the  owner 
thereof  shall  forfeit  and  pay  the  sum  of  Five  dollars  for  every 
time  such  truck  is  used. 

It  is  hereby  Ordered  —  That  it  shall  be  lawful  to  carry  on  any 
truck,  Cart,  or  Waggon  any  load  the  weight  whereof  shall  not 
exceed  one  ton  and  an  half,  excepting  in  the  spring  season  ;  and 
if  an}^  load  shall  be  carried  within  the  town  of  greater  weight  than 
the  aforesaid  weight,  on  any  truck,  cart  or  waggon,  the  drivef 
thereof  and  the  owner  thereof,  shall  severally  forfeit  and  pay  the 
sum  of  five  dollars,  excepting  those  loads  which  consist  [of]  one 
article  which  cannot  be  separated. 

3^ 

It  is  hereby  Ordered  —  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  they  hereby 
are  authorized  and  empowered  to  regulate  and  order  from  time  to 
time,  in  the  successive  years,  the  weight  of  any  loads,  and  of  all 
loads,  which  may  be  carried  within  the  town  in  the  spring  season, 
while  the  streets  are  liable  to  be  injured  by  the  carrying  of  heavy 
loads  thereon ;  and  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  Selectmen  to 
give  public  notice  in  each  successive  year  of  the  day  on  which  the 
restrictions  which  they  make  shall  begin  and  end. — 


It  is  hereby  Ordered  —  That  if  there  shall  be  carried  a  greater 
weight,  than  the  Selectmen  may  permit  to  be  carried,  in  the 
spring  season,  there  shall  be  forfeited  and  paid  the  sum  of  five 
dollars,  to  be  recovered  of  the  driver  of  the  vehicle  whereon  the 
same  is  carried,  or  of  the  owner  of  such  vehicle.  — 

It  is  hereby  Ordered  —  That  if  any  truck,  or  Cart,  shall  be  so 
placed  in  any  street,  within  this  town,  either  to  load  or  unload, 
as  not  to  leave  a  sufficient  space  for  the  passing  of  any  other 
truck,  cart  or  carriage  of  any  description,  the  owner  of  any  truck 
or  cart  so  placed,  &  the  driver  thereof,  shall  severally,  forfeit, 
and  pay,  the  sum  of  two  dollars  for  every  such  offence.  —  Pro- 
videcl  that  it  shall  be  lawful  to  take  a  reasonable  time  for  the 
loading  and  unloading  of  heavy  articles  not  exceeding  six  min- 
utes. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1817.  83 


[132.]  It  is  hereby  ordered  —  That  if  any  person  who  shall 
be  employed  in  the  driving  or  conducting  of  any  cart,  Waggon, 
truck  carriage  or  other  vehicle  whatsoever,  which  is  drawn  by  one 
horse,  or  more  horses  than  one,  shall  unnecessarily  &  unreason- 
ably beat,  or  cruelly  use  any  horse  or  horses,  under  his  care  or 
management,  within  the  town  of  Boston,  such  person  shall  for- 
feit and  pay  the  sum  of  Five  Dollars  ;  and  the  Owner  or  owners 
of  such  Cart,  Waggon,  truck,  carriage  or  other  vehicle  shall  for- 
feit and  pay  the  sum  of  Five  Dollars  for  every  such  offence. 


It  is  hereby  Ordered  —  That  all  the  aforegoing  penalties  and 
forfeitures  shall  be  recovered  on  complaint,  and  on  due  proof 
and  evidence,  before  any  Justice  of  the  Peace,  together  with 
costs  of  prosecution,  to  the  use  of  the  town  of  Boston. — And 
that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  officers  of  PoKce  to  complain  of, 
and  prosecute  all  offences  herein  provided  against,  which  may 
come  to  their  knowledge.  — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[133.]     The  Town  met  agreeably  to  an  adjournment  from  the 
26  Ultim°. 

The  Moderator  being  absent 

Stephen  Codman  Esq'', 
was  chosen  Moderator  Pro.  Tem. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  communication  of 
Ward  jSTicholas  Boylston  Esquire  with  instructions  to  report  a 
state  of  facts,  and  their  opinion  as  to  the  best  course  to  be  taken 
by  the  town,  have  attended  to  that  service,  and  Respectfully 
Report 

That  the  late  Thomas  Boylston  by  his  last  will  and  testament, 
on  which  probate  was  granted  in  1799  devised  and  bequeathed  to 
the  Town  of  Boston  "  all  his  estate  personal  and  real "  for  certain 
uses  and  intentions  in  the  same  minutely  set  forth :  a  copy  of 
which  will  is  on  the  files  of  the  town.  — 

The  gross  amount  of  property  bequeathed  to  the  town  by  this 
will,  as  far  as  your  Committee  can  ascertain  the  same,  after  pay- 
ing the  debts  of  the  Testator,  and  not  including  arrears  of  in- 
terest, (if  any  is  due)  amounts  to  the  sum  of     .     -        $68500 
in  money,  —  and  in  certain  real  estate  set  off  on 
Execution  for  the  sum  of 81500.— 

$150000.— 


84  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  Committee  have  not  added  Interest,  because  none  could 
fairly  be  calculated,  except  on  the  balance  in  the  hands  of  the 
administrator,  after  deducting  expeuces  ;  nor  for  a  longer  time 
than  such  balance  was  actually  in  his  hands  and  as  a  consider- 
able portion  of  the  above  sum  is  in  unproductive  real  estate  & 
nearly  fifty  thousand  dollars  in  the  hands  of  the  assignees  under 
a  former  Commission  of  Bankruptcy  against  the  Testator,  and 
not  reduced  to  the  possession  of  the  Administrator,  it  is  the 
opinion  of  the  Committee,  that  an  interest  account  would  not 
add  much  to  the  above  sum. 

[134.]  But  even  this  sum  is  altogether  nominal,  and  the 
Committee  have  no  reason  to  believe,  that  if  all  controversy  was 
at  an  end,  the  property  could  be  made  to  produce  more  than 
seventy  five  thousand  dollars. 

1^*.  Because  the  nominal  estimate  of  the  real  estate,  is  known 
to  be  vastly  above  its  present  value,  as  is  proved  by  the  fact, 
that  the  estate  in  Princetown  set  off  for  $46700  and  two  thou- 
sand dollars  in  addition,  has  been  offered  to  the  town  as  an 
equivalent  for  115,000  only. 

2^.  Because  the  collection  of  this  sum,  under  the  peculiar 
embarrassments  attending  it,  has  been  charged  with  very  heavy 
expences,  among  which  is  an  undisputed  annuity  of  $520  to  M'. 
G-ill,  and  a  litigated  claim  of  £200  St^.  p  annum  to  the  former 
partner  of  the  late  M^.  Boy  Is  ton  in  England. 

Admitting  therefore,  that  the  Town  could  realize  the  benefits 
intended  by  the  munificent  Testator,  it  is  probable,  in  the  opinion 
of  your  Committee,  that  they  would  receive  about  Seventy  five 
thousand  dollars. 

Soon  after  the  decease  of  M'.  Boylston,  his  Will  was  commu- 
nicated to  the  inhabitants  in  legal  town  meeting  assembled,  and 
the  Selectmen  were  constituted  agents  for  the  town  with  all 
necessary  powers,  to  enforce  the  payment  of  this  liberal  donation. 
Having  obtained  advice  of  eminent  Counsel,  they  caused  proper 
legal  measures  to  be  instituted,  and  during  the  last  fifteen  years, 
there  has  been  a  continued  litigation  with  the  administrator,  with- 
out obtaining  any  beneficial  result  or  coming  within  the  prospect 
of  a  favorable  termination. 

During  the  whole  of  this  perplexed  &  troublesome  concern, 
the  Gentlemen  who  have  successively  sat  at  the  board  of  Select- 
men have  bestowed  on  it  an  indefatigable  and  patient  attention, 
which  entitles  them  to  the  respect  and  gratitude  of  their  constitu- 
ents ;  and  it  [is]  certainly  not  owing  to  any  want  of  intelligence  or 
fidelity  on  their  part,  that  the  town  is  yet  kept  out  of  the  posses- 
sion of  property,  which  it  was  the  undoubted  intention  of  the 
Testator  should  long  since  have  been  appropriated  to  their  use. 

[135.]  Peculiar  difficulties  attend  the  prosecution  of  the 
Town's  claims  ;  chiefly  however  from  the  fact,  that  the  will  being 
made  in  a  foreign  Country,  by  a  subject  of  the  same,  redress 
must  be  sought  through  the  intervention  of  foreign  Courts,  and 
by  the  application  of  foreign  Laws.  — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1817.  85 

Your  Committee  do  not  deem  it  useful  to  enumerate  the 
difficulties  in  such  a  process  ;  nor  can  they  decide  between  the 
conflicting  opinion  of  Counsel  as  to  its  final  result.  In  this 
doubtful  course  of  litigation,  they  can  find  nothing  certain,  but 
continual  accumulating,  ruinous  expence.  — 

As  this  expence  must  be  borne  by  each  of  the  parties,  while 
the  suit  during  its  continuance,,  locks  up  the  property  from  both, 
the  administrator  and  the  agents  of  the  town  have  repeatedly 
turned  their  attention  to  the  expediency  of  a  compromise. 

M''.  Boylston  originally  offered  $10,000  in  three  per  Cent 
Stock,  for  a  full  release ;  but  this  sum  was  with  great  propriety 
rejected  by  the  Selectmen.  Fifteen  thousand  dollars  were  subse- 
quently offered,  payable  without  interest  in  part,  at  a  future  day ; 
and  Twenty  five  thousand  demanded  by  the  Selectmen ;  at  which 
stage  of  the  business  it  was  again  brought  before  the  Town,  and 
the  present  Committee  appointed  to  consider  &  report  the  best 
course  to  be  adopted. 

Your  Committee  have  the  satisfaction  to  add,  that  the  admin- 
istrator has  well  proposed  to  pay  Twenty  thousand  dollars  as  a 
compensation  for  receiving  a  full  discharge ;  and  has  agreed  that 
it  shall  bear  interest  from  the  day  that  his  proposition  is  accepted 
by  the  Town ;  which  offer  is  more  advantageous  by  six  thousand 
two  hundred  dollars  than  any  one  hitherto  made. 

The  Committee  unanimously  recommend  that  this  proposition 
be  accepted  by  the  Town  ;  and  thus  that  an  end  be  put  to  all 
farthei-  litigation  and  expence.  It  being  understood,  that  this 
sum  which  will  be  freed  from  the  incumbrances,  which  shackle 
the  bequests  of  the  will,  and  that  it  is  to  be  used  and  appropri- 
ated as  the  Town  in  its  wisdom  shall  be  pleased  to  direct.  —  lu 
order  to  complete  this  Contract  with  M"".  Boylston,  aud  execute 
the  legal  instruments  which  are  necessary  to  give  efficacy  to  the 
compromise,  the  Committee  have  prepared  the  Vote  hereunto 
annexed  for  the  approbation  of  the  Town. — 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted  —  p"^.  order 

James  T.  Austin  Chairman  of  the  Committee. 

ri36.]  The  foregoing  representations  were  read  &  accepted, 
—  and  Voted,  That  James  T.  Austin,  Samuel  Swett,  Stephen 
Codman,  Arnold  Welles  &  Nathan  Webb  Esq''^.  be  appointed 
agents  on  the  part  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  with  full  powers  to 
make  execute  &  deliver  in  due  form  of  Law  to  Ward  Nicholas 
Boylston  Esquire  but  at  his  expence  and  cost  full  perfect  &  com- 
plete releases,  acquittance  and  discharge  of  all  &  every  claim  and 
demand  of  said  Town  upon  said  Ward  Nicholas  Boylston  in  his 
capacity  of  Administrator  with  the  will  annexed,  of  the  goods  & 
estate,  which  were  of  Thomas  Boylston,  late  of  London,  in  the 
Kingdom  of  G-reat  Britain,  deceased  :  and  of  all  legacies,  rights 
and  interest  under  the  Will  aforesaid  —  which  said  release  and 
discharge  the  said  agents  are  authorized  and  empowered  to  make 
and  deliver,  if  the  said  Ward  Nicholas  Boylston  shall  within 
sixty   days  from  this  date   secure  to  said  town  of   Boston  by 


86  City  Document  No.  128'. 

Mortgage  of  real  estate  within  the  same  to  the  satisfaction  of 
said  Agents,  the  payment  of  the  sum  of  Twenty  tliousand  dol- 
lars, by  equal  instalments  in  two,  three,  four  and  five  years  with 
Interest  from  the  date  hereof  annually  on  the  whole  sum  that 
shall  be  due,  except  that  no  interest  shall  be  payable  until  two 
years  from  this  date. 

And  that  after  the  execution  and  delivery  of  the  mortgage 
aforesaid  by  the  said  Boylston,  that  the  Selectmen  of  said  Boston 
be  requested  to  execute  and  deliver  to  said  Boylston  all  such  re- 
leases and  discharge  at  his  expence^  as  may  be  necessary  to  exon- 
erate him  from  any  liability  to  them  in  their  capacity  of  Truste.es 
under  the  will  aforesaid  — 

Voted,  That  James  T.  Austin,  Samuel  Swett,  Stephen  Codman, 
Arnold  Wells  &  Nathan  Webb  Esq",  be  a  Committee  in  addition 
to  the  Selectmen,  to  receive,  adjust  and  bring  to  final  settlement 
the  accounts  and  demands  for  services  of  the  several  Gentlemen 
who  have  been  employed  as  counsel  in  the  suit  of  the  .Judge  of 
Probate  or  of  the  Town  against  Ward  Nicholas  Boylston  Esquire, 
administrator  of  the  Estate  of  Thomas  Boylston  Esquire. — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[137.]  At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of 
Boston  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  5**^.  day  of  .June 
A.  D.  1817  — 11  O'clock  A.  M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  —  read  — 

Stephen  Codman  Esq'^.  was  chosen  Moderator. — 

This  Meeting  was  called  "  To  adopt  suitable  measures  to  evi- 
dence the  respect  of  the  Inhabitants  for  the  President  of  the 
United  States,  on  his  expected  visit  to  this  metropolis  —  On 
Mo  don 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  of  nine  persons  be  chosen  to  consider 
and  report  to  this  meeting,  what  measures  it  will  be  expedient  for 
the  Town  to  adopt  to  express,  their  respect  for  the  President  of 
the  United  States,  upon  his  expected  visit. — 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  nominated  from  the  Chair  and 
chosen  on  the  Committee  —  viz'. 

Hon''^^  Harrison  G.  Otis  Hon^  Wm.  Gray 

Gen'.  Arnold  Welles  James  T.  Austin  Esq"". 

George  Blake  Esq'".  Benjamin  Russell  Esq^ 

William  Sullivan  Esq'.  William  H.  Sumner  Esq'. 

Israel  Thorndike  Esq'. 

The  above  Committee  reported  the  following  resolutions  which 
were  read  and  unanimously  adopted  by  the  Town  — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1817.  87 

Whereas  the  President  of  the  United  States  is  expected  to  visit 
this  town,  and  it  is  the  desire  of  the  citizens  that  he  should  be 
received  with  all  the  demonstrations  of  respect  and  attention 
which  are  due  to  the  station  and  character  of  the  first  Magistrate 
of  the  Union. 

[138.]  Therefore  Resolved —  That  the  Selectmen  joined  by 
a  Committee  of  thirteen  citizens,  now  to  be  chosen,  be  requested 
to  provide  for  the  suitable  reception  and  accommodation  of  the 
President  of  the  United  States  and  his  suit  during  their  residence 
in  the  town. 

Resolved,  That  the  Selectmen  and  the  said  Committee  be  requested 
to  meet  and  receive  the  President  of  the  United  States  upon  his 
entrance  into  the  Town,  and  that  they,  accompanied  by  such 
citizens  as  may  attend  them,  and  by  such  military  escort  as  may 
be  provided  by  the  proper  authorities,  conduct  him  to  his  lodgings  ; 
and  that  they,  in  behalf  of  the  Citizens  of  Boston,  present  to  him 
as  expressive  of  the  satisfaction  felt  by  them,  in  the  presence  of 
so  distinguished  a  visitor ;  of  their  disposition  &  desire  to  con- 
tribute by  all  the  means  in  their  power  to  his  comfort  &  pleasure 
during  his  stay  in  this  Metropolis,  and  of  their  sincere  wishes  that 
his  health  may  be  preserved,  that  his  administration  may  secure 
the  peace  &  honor,  promote  the  prosperity  and  command  the 
gratitude  and  affection  of  a  free  people. 

Resolved,  That  said  Committee  may  also  make  such  arrange- 
ments for  the  occasion  as  they  may  deem  expedient.  — 

Voted,  that  the  Committee  of  nine  chosen  this  day,  with  the 
addition  of  Major  Gen^  Dearborn 

Tho^  H.  Perkins 
James  Prince  and 
Aaron  Hill  Esquires 
be  the  Committee,  named  in  the  first  resolution. 

Voted  that  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Moderator 
for  his  services  at  this  meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  dissolved. 


[139.]  The  following  address  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  to  the  President  of  the  United  States  of 
America  was  agreeably  to  a  vote  of  the  Town  at  their  late  meet- 
ing, this  day  presented  him  by  the  Committee  of  arrangements. 

To  the  President  of  the  United  States 
Sir, 

The  Citizens  of  Boston,  by  their  Committee  appointed  for 
that  purpose,  beg  leave  to  offer  you  their  cordial  and  respectful 
salutations  upon  your  arrival  in  their  metropolis. 


88  City  Document  No.  128., 

The  visit  with  which  you  are  pleased  to  honour  them,  recalls 
to  the  recollection  of  many  their  interview  with  your  illustrious 
predecessor,  the  Father  of  his  Country,  on  a  similar  occasion. 
They  remember  with  great  satisfaction,  the  hope,  the  confidence, 
and  the  fond  anticipation  of  national  prosperity  which  his 
presence  inspired  ;  and  it  is  now,  Sir,  a  subject  of  congratulation 
to  you  and  to  themselves,  that  after  thirty  years  of  eventful  ex- 
periment, during  conflicts  and  revolutions  in  the  old  world  which 
have  threatened  all,  and  subverted  many  of  its  ancient  govern- 
ments, the  Constitution  which  was  adopted  under  the  auspices  of 
that  great  man,  has  acquired  vigour  and  maturity,  and  that  in  a 
season  of  profound  peace  his  successor  is  permitted  by  the  pros- 
perous state  of  pubhc  affairs,  to  follow  his  example,  in  visiting 
the  extensive  country  over  which  he  has  recently  been  called  to 
preside. 

While  this  journey  affords  to  many  of  your  [140]  fellow  citi- 
zens the  opportunity  and  advantage  of  commencing  with  you  a 
personal  acquaintance,  which  is  always  desirable  between  a 
people  and  their  rulers,  thej^  rejoice  at  the  same  time  in  the  belief 
that  the  local  information  relative  to  the  great  and  various 
interests  of  the  United  States,  which  you  will  derive  from  actual 
observation,  will  facilitate  your  arrangements  for  their  defence 
and  security  ;  and  enable  you  to  apply  in  practice,  with  additional 
confidence,  and  success,  those  principles  of  an  elevated  and  im- 
partial policy  which  you  have  been  pleased  to  promulgate  as  the 
basis  of  your  intended  administration. 

Called  to  the  service  of  your  Country  at  an  early  period  of  life, 
and  distinguished  in  the  arduous  struggle  which  obtained  its  Inde- 
pendence, your  subsequent  occupations  in  successive  important 
offices  and  various  departments,  at  home  &  abroad,  have  afforded 
you  the  means  of  becoming  conversant  with  the  foreign  and  do- 
mestic relations  of  the  Nation,  and  with  those  qualifications  you 
are  now  raised  to  the  highest  dignity,  which  can  be  conferred  by 
a  free  People. 

These  public  claims  to  consideration  and  attention  from  all 
descriptions  of  your  fellow  Citizens,  are  cheerfully  admitted  by 
the  citizens  of  Boston,  who  are  also  desirous  of  evincing  their 
respect  for  the  unblemished  tenor  of  your  private  character,  and 
their  sense  of  the  urbanity  and  hospitality  which  peculiarly  char- 
acterized your  deportment  towards  all  those  of  your  countrymen, 
who  during  the  period  of  your  foreign  embassies,  were  so  fortu- 
nate as  to  come  within  [141]  the  sphere  of  your  civilities  and 
protection. 

It  is  therefore  with  real  satisfaction,  that  they  received  you 
within  the  precincts  of  Boston  ;  and  they  pray  you  to  be  assured 
of  their  earnest  solicitude  to  contribute  by  all  the  means  at  their 
command  to  your  comfort  and  enjoyment  during  your  residence 
in  this  Town. 

They  also,  confiding  in  the  rectitude  of  your  intentions  and 
trusting  that  the  powers  vested  in  you  by  the  Constitution,  will 
be  exercised  with  a  sincere  regard  to  the  welfare  of  the  people. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1817.  89 

whose  precious  interests  are  committed  to  your  charge,  avail 
themselves  of  this  occasion,  to  express  their  ardent  hope  that  the 
favorable  circumstances  which  attend  the  commencement  of  your 
administration  may  with  the  blessing  of  Heaven,  under  your 
guidance,  concur  to  promote  the  advancement  of  our  beloved 
Country-,  to  the  highest  possible  condition  of  prosperity. 

With  these  sentiments  they  unite  their  best  wishes  for   your 
health  and  happiness  :  and  that  the  course  and  close  of  your  ad- 
ministration may  entitle  you  to  the   gratitude  and  affections  of 
your  constituents,  and  the  respect  of  posterity. 
By  order  of  the  Committee. 

Charles  Bulfinch 

Chairman. 

[143.]     To  which  the  President  returned  the  following  Answer. 

Fellow  Citizens 

The  kind  reception  which  you  have  given  me, 
on  the  part  of  the  citizens  of  Boston,  and  which  their  conduct 
has  so  fully  confirmed,  has  made  a  deep  and  lasting  impression 
on  my  mind,  which  you  will  have  the  goodness  to  communicate  to 
them. 

As  no  person  is  more  willing  than  I  am,  in  the  discharge  of 
my  duty,  according  to  the  fair  exercise  of  my  judgment,  to  take 
example  from  the  conduct  of  the  distinguished  men  who  have 
preceded  me  in  this  high  trust  [it]  is  particularly  gratifying  to  me, 
to  have  recalled  by  this  incident,  to  the  memory  of  many  who  are 
now  present,  a  like  visit  from  the  illustrious  commander  of  our 
revolutionary  army  ;  who  b}^  many  other  important  services,  had 
so  just  a  claim  to  the  revered  title  of  Father  of  his  country  —  It 
was  natural  that  the  presence  of  a  citizen,  so  respected  and  be- 
loved, who  had  so  eminently  contributed  to  the  establishment  of 
this  government,  and  to  whom  its  administration  in  the  com- 
mencement had  been  committed,  should  inspire  an  enlightened, 
a  virtuous  and  free  people,  with  unlimited  confidence  in  its  suc- 
cess ;  and  it  is  a  cause  of  general  felicitation  and  joy  to  us  all  to 
find  that  thirty  years  successful  experiment,  have  justified  that 
confidence  and  realized  our  most  sanguine  hopes  in  its  favour. 
Yes  fellow  [143]  citizens,  we  instituted  a  government  for  the 
benefit  of  all ;  a  government  which  should  secure  to  us  the  full 
enjoyment  of  all  our  rights,  religious  and  civil ;  and  it  has  been 
so  administered. 

Let  us  then  unite  in  grateful  acknowledgments  to  the  Supreme 
Author  of  all  good,  for  extending  to  us  so  great  a  blessing.  Let 
us  unite  in  fervent  prayers,  that  He  will  be  graciously  pleased  to 
continue  that  blessing  to  us,  and  our  latest  posterity. 

I  accepted  the  trust,  to  which  I  have  been  called  by  my  fellow 
citizens  with  diffidence,  because  I  well  knew  the  frailty  of  human 
nature,  and  had  often  experienced  my  own  deficiencies. 

I  imdertook  this  tour,  with  a  view  and  in  the  hope  of  acquiring 
knowledge  which  might  enable  me  to  discharge  my  various  and 


90  City  Documemt  No.  128. 

important  duties  with  greater  advantage  to  my  country,  to  which 
my  whole  mind,  and  unwearied  efforts  shall  always  be  directed. 
In  pursuing  objects  so  dear  to  us  all,  I  rely  with  confidence  on 
the  firm  and  generous  support  of  my  fellow  Citizens  throughout 
our  happ  Union. 

James  Monroe. 


[144.]  At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Friday  the 
4"'  day  of  July  A.  D.  1817  10  O'clock  A.  M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Thomas  Clark  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  last  year  to  make  choice  of  a 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  Anniversary  of  Indepen- 
dence—  Reported  That  they  had  chosen  Edward  T.  Channing 
Esq*",  who  had  accepted  the  appointment. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  old  South  Church  at  12  Oclock  M. 

Met  at  the  Old  South  church  where  an  Oration  was  delivered 
by  Edward  T.  Channing  Esq^.  to  commemorate  the  Independence 
of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a 
Committee  to  wait  on  Edward  T.  Channing  Esq"^.  in  the  name  of 
the  Town,  and  thank  him  for  the  elegant  and  spirited  Oration  this 
day  delivered  by  him  at  the  request  of  the  Town,  upon  the  anni- 
versary of  American  Independence  in  which  were  considered  the 
feelings,  manners  and  principles  which  produced  the  great  National 
event,  and  the  important  and  happy  effects  general  and  domestic, 
which  have  already  or  will  forever  flow  from  that  auspicious 
epoch,  and  to  request  of  him  a  copy  for  the  press. 

Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  ap- 
pointed a  Committee  to  apply  to  some  able  and  learned  Gentleman 
to  deliver  an  Oration  on  [145]  the  4"^  July  1818.  That  day 
being  the  Anniversary  of  the  Independence  of  the  United  States 
of  America;  wherein  the  orator  is  to  consider  the  feelings,  man- 
ners, and  principles  which  led  to  this  great  national  event  as  well 
as  the  important  and  happy  effects  which  have  already,  or  will 
forever  flow  from  that  Auspicious  Epoch. 

Then  this  meeting  was  Dissolved. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1817.  91 

[146.]  At  a  convention  of  the  Boai^ds  of  Selectmen,  Over- 
seers of  the  Poor  and  Board  of  Health  of  the  Town  of  Boston 
held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  24"^  day  of  July  A.  D.  1817 
4  O'clock  P.  M. 

Present  A  Majority  of  each  Board. 

Voted  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer  for  the 
year  ensuing. 

Mess  Hunnewell  &  Jackson  a  Committee,  to  receive,  sort  and 
count  the  votes. 

Votes  being  taken  for  a  Town  Treasurer,  Andrew  Sigourney 
Esq'",  was  declared  to  be  unanimously  Chosen. 

Voted  to  come  to  the  choice  of  one  Collector  of  taxes  for  the 
ensuing  year. 

Votes  being  taken,  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq"^.  was  chosen  unani- 
mously. 

M''.  Sigourney  having  been  notified  of  his  appointment  to  the 
above  offices,  declared  his  acceptance;  and  proposed  Hon.  Jona- 
than Hunnewell  and  Benj.  Weld  Esq'',  as  his  Bondsmen. 

Voted  that  the  above  named  Gentlemen  be  accepted  as  M^. 
Sigourney 8  bondsmen,  and  that  they  execute  a  bond  of  Twenty 
thousand  dollars  as  Treasurer,  and  another  bond  for  the  same 
sum  as  Collector  of  taxes. 

Voted  That  Turner  Phillips,  Ozias  Goodwin  &  Benj.  Whitman 
Esq",  be  a  committee  to  see  that  the  Bonds  are  given  by  the 
Treasurer  &  Collector  of  Taxes,  and  that  he  is  qualified  accord- 
ing to  law. 

[14 '7.]  A  memorial  from  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants,  pro- 
posing that  a  suitable  salary  be  annexed  to  the  office  of  Chairman 
of  the  Selectmen  —  and  the  vote  of  the  Town  thereon,  referring 
the  subject  to  this  Convention,  were  now  read  and  considered  — 
and 

Voted,  That  in  the  opinion  of  this  convention,  it  is  expedient 
and  proper  that  a  suitable  compensation  be  annexed  to  the  office 
of  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen. 

Voted  That  a  Salary  of  one  thousand  dollars  be  paid  to  the 
Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  from  the  Town  Treasury  for  the 
present  year. 

Convention  Dissolved. 


92  City  Document  No.  128. 

[148.]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  duly  qualified  to  vote  for  Representatives  in  the 
General  Court  of  this  Commonwealth,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on 
Monday  the  17*^.  day  of  November  A.  D.  1817. 

10  O'clock  A.  M. 

Prayer  by  Rev.  M^.  Dwight. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read 

A  precept  from  the  Governor  &  Council  directing  the  Select- 
men to  call  a  meeting  for  choice  of  a  Member  of  Congress,  in  the 
room  of  the  Hon.  James  Lloyd,  resigned,  was  al'so  read. 

The  Inhabitants  were  requested  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  a 
Representative  for  the  Suffolk  District,  in  the  Congress  of  the 
United  States  &  that  the  Selectmen  propose  to  close  the  Poll  at 
half  past  one  O'clock. 

Persons  Voted  for  as  a  Representative  for  the  Suffolk  District 
in  this  Commonwealth  in  the  present  Congress  of  the  United 
States  viz. 

Hon.  Jonathan  Mason     1664 
Andrew  Ritchie  Esq^  — 1376 


Hon.  Daniel  Webster  — 

7 

W™.  Sullivan          — 

4 

W™.  H.  Sumner        2.— 

6 

John  Welles            — 

Rich'd  Sullivan         1  — 

2 

James  T.  Austin    — 

P.  0.  Thatcher  -  -  1  — 

2 

Tho\  H.  Perkins  — 

R.  G.  Amory  -  -  -  1  — 

2 

Ben.    Russell         — 

Jacob  Stearns     -  -  1  — 

2 

Frederick  F.  Lane — 

W™.  Wood 1  — 

2 

Dan^  Tread  well     — 

Ab"\   F.  Howe  -  -  1  — 

2 

3065 

A  return  of  the  doings  of  this  meeting  [149]  was  made  out, 
conformable  to  the  printed  directions  of  the  General  Court  and 
delivered  by  the  Town  Clerk  to  the  Sheriff  of  the  County  of 
Suffolk. 

Then  this  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


1818. 

[150.]  At  a  meeting  of  the  Male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  9''''.  day  of  March 
A.D.  1818. 

10  O'clock  A.M. 


Boston  Town  Kecokds,  1818.  93 

Prayer  by  Rev.  M'^.  Ballou. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Law  respecting  the  Election  of  Town  Officers  read. 

Hon.  John  Phillips  Esq'",  chosen  Moderator, 

Thomas  Clark,  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  year  ensuing, 
and  the  oath  of  Office  was  administered  to  him  by  the  Moderator 

Turner  Phillips  Joseph  Austin 

Ebenezer  Ohver  Henry  Bass 

Jonathan  Hunnewell  Samuel  Dorr 

Joseph  Lovering  Enoch  Silsby  and 

Henry  Farnum  Esquii'es 
were  Chosen  Selectmen  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted,  that  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  presented  to  Charles 
Bulfinch  Esq"^".  for  his  able  and  faithful  services  as  a  Selectman 
for  twenty  two  years  nineteen  of  which  he  with  great  ability  dis- 
charged the  duties  of  Chairman  of  that  board. 

The  oath  of  office  was  administered  to  [151]  the  eight  first 
named  Selectmen   by  the  Moderator. 

Hon.  William  Phillips  Joseph  Richards 

Redford  Webster  Jonathan  Phillips 

Thomas  Perkins  Samuel  May 

Samuel  Snelling  Jacob  Hall 

William  Mackay  Edward  Tuckerman  Jr.  & 

Joseph  Coolidge  Jr.  Samuel  H.  Walley  Esq'". 

were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  and  of  the  work  house  for  the 

year  ensuing. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  Ozias  Goodwin 
Esq"^.  for  his  faithful  services  as  one  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor 
for  many  years  past. 

Voted  That  in  addition  to  the  Selectmen  twelve  persons  shall 
now  be  Chosen  a    School   Committee;  and  the  votes  being  col- 
lected it  appeared  that  the  following  G-entlemen  were  chosen  viz. 
Doct.  Aaron  Dexter  Charles  Davis  Esq"". 

"    Thomas  Welch  [153]       Francis  J.  Oliver 
"    John  C.  Warren  Peter  O.  Thatcher 

Rev.  Charles  Lowell  WilUam  Wells 

Horace  Holley  Benjamin  Russell  & 

Joshua  Huntington  Henry  J.  Oliver  Esq"" 

Voted,  That  the  above  named  Gentlemen  who  conjunctly  with 
the  Selectmen  are  termed  the  School  Committee,  be  and  hereby 


94 


City  Document  No.  128. 


are  directed  to  carry  the  System  of  education  adopted  by  the 
town  into  operatiou,  and  that  said  Committee  be  also  authorized 
and  empowered  conjunctly  to  manage  and  regulate  the  Govern- 
ment of  the  Schools,  and  to  execute  all  the  powers  relative  to  the 
Schools  and  School  Masters  which  the  Selectmen  or  such  Com- 
mittees are  authorised  by  the  laws  of  this  Commonwealth  or  by 
the  votes  of  the  Town  to  exercise. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Thomas 
Wigglesworth  Esq"",  for  his  services  as  one  of  the  School  Com- 
mittee for  several  years  past. 

Voted  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Joseph  Tilden 
Esq'',  for  his  faithful  services  as  one  of  the  fire  Wards  for 
several  years  past. 


Thomas  Melville 
Andrew  Cunningham 
John  Winslow 
Stephen  Codman 
Jonathan  Hunnewell 
Daniel  Messenger 

[153.]  Joshua  Davis 

Benjamin  Smith 
James  Phillips 
Nathaniel  Curtis 
Bryant  P.  Tilden 
Nathan  Webb 

were  chosen  Fire  Wards  for  the 


Samuel  M.  Thayer 
Joseph  Austin 
Benjamin  Rich 
Joseph  Lovering 
Gedney  King 
Francis  J.  Oliver 
John  D.  Williams 
William  Harris 
Jonathan  Loring 
John  Mack  ay 
Turner  Philhps  & 
Lemuel  Shaw  Esq""* 
year  ensuing. 


Votes  were  received  for  a  Treasurer  for  the  County  of  Suffolk, 
by  the  Moderator  &  Town  Clerk,  when  it  appeared  that  John 
Winslow  Esq'',  had  one  hundred  &  ninety  five  votes  and  Jonathan 
Hunnewell  Esq'',  one  Vote. 


Mess'^^  Benjamin  White       [154] 
William  Clouston 
Nathaniel  Bradlee 
Noah  Doggett 
Braddock  Loring 
Thomas  Christie 
William  Green 
Eleazer  Homer 
Joseph  Stodder 
Allen  Bowker 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Lumber. 

Mess.  Henry  Purkitt 
Benjamin  Clark 
were  chosen  Cullers  of  Hoops  &  Staves. 


Wihiam  Ellison 
Nathaniel  Glover 
John  Howe  Jr. 
Richard  Thayer 
Edward  J.  Robbins 
Henry  Blake 
Joseph  Tucker 
Moses  Eayers  Jr. 
Benjamin  Harris  & 
Oliver  Mills  — 


Nathaniel  Howe  & 
Benjamin  Owen 


Boston  Town  Records,  1818.  96 

Mess.  Thomas  Barbour  Benjamin  Owen 

Nathaniel  Howe  James  Brown 

Benjamin  Clark  William  J.  Hammatt 

Charles  Took  Thomas  Lombard  & 

John  Bannister  Walter  Jackson 
were  chosen  Cullers  of  Dry  Fish. 

Mess.  Benjamin  White  William  Ellison  & 

Nathaniel  Bradlee  John  Howe  Jr. 

were  chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  year  ensuing. 

[155.]     Mess.  Barney  Sloan  Joseph  Selaway 

Joseph  Champney  Neddy  Curtis  & 

James  Baxter 
were  chosen  Hogreeves  &  Haywards  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Samuel  Emmons  and 
James  Phillips  Esq''*. 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Hemp. 

Edward  Tuckerman  & 
Josiah  Snelling  Esq''^ 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Wheat. 

Mess.  John  Wells  and 
Nathaniel  Alley 
were  chosen  Assay  Masters. 

Mess.  Michael  Homer 

Francis  James  and 
Samuel  Sprague 
were  chosen  Inspectors  of  Lime. 

The  Selectmen  were  chosen  Surveyors  of  High  Way. 

Voted,  That  Stephen  Codman,  Francis  J.  Oliver  and  Robert 
G.  Shaw  Esq'®,  be,  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to 
audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer  and  said  Committee 
are  directed  to  report  the  Sum  necessary  to  be  raised  for  the 
services  of  the  present  year. 

Voted,  That  the  consideration  of  all  money  matters  be  referred 
to  the  May  meeting. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  "to  take  into  consideration  the 
petition  of  David  Greenough  &  others  before  [156]  the  Legisla- 
ture for  a  new  market "  was  taken  up  and  Committed  to 
Hon.  John  Wells  Esq''.  William  Sullivan 

Thomas  Badger  James  T.  Austin 

Samuel  Hubbard  Joshua  Davis  & 

Jonathan  Loring  Esq"". 


96  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted  That  the  Above  Committee  be  instructed  to  consider  the 
expediency  of  enlarging  the  Market,  and  also  the  mode  of  effect- 
ing that  Object. 

On  the  Application  of  Jacob  Tidd  .Junior 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  or  a  major  part  of  them  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  fill  and  dispose  of  a  lot  of  land  belonging  to  the  Town, 
bounded  on  Ivers  &  Portland  Streets,  on  such  terms  as  they  shall 
deem  to  be  for  the  interest  of  the  Town ;  and  to  make  and  exe- 
cute a  deed  of  the  same  to  the  purchaser  according  to  Law. 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Moderator, 
and  then  the  Meeting  was 

Dissolved. 


[157.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  of  twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upwards,  qualified  as 
the  Constitution  prescribes,  &  legally  warned  &  assembled  at 
Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  sixth  day  of  April  A.  D.  1818.  9 
O'clock  A.  M. 

Prayer  by  Rev.  M^  Eaton. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  or  Frame  of  Government  rela- 
tive to  the  choice  of  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor  &  Senators 
read. — 

Law  of  the  Commonwealth  dividing  the  State  into  Districts  for 
the  choice  of  Counsellors  and  Senators  read. 

It  was  afterwards  determined  that  the  Poll  should  be  closed  at 
2  O'clock,  the  Bells  to  Commence  tolling  at  half  past  one. 

Persons  voted  for  as  Governor  with  the  number  of  votes  for 
each  person  viz. 

His  Excellency  John  Brooks 2,999 

Hon.  Benjamin  W.  Crowninshield -       744 

Hon.  Benjamin  Austin 3 

Hon.  Henry  Dearborn --  1 

3,747 


Boston  Town  Records,  1818. 


97 


Persons  voted  for  as  Lieutenant  Governor,  with  the  number  of 
Votes  for  each  person  viz. 

His  Honor  William  Phillips 2,984 

Hon  Thomas  Kittredge    ---------  760 

Hon  Joseph  B.  Varnum  1 .  Ch*.  Callender  1  -     -     -  2 

Josiah  Quincy  3.     W"\  Lawrence  ^ — 2     -     -     -     -  5 

John  Bellows  1.     Henry  Homer — 1 2 


3,753 


[158.]     Persons  voted  for  as  Counsellors  &  Senators  for  the 
District  of  Suffolk,  with  the  number  of  Votes  for  each  person,  viz. 

Hon  John  Philhps 3,000 

"    Josiah  Quincy      ----- 2,815 

"    Jonathan  Hunnewell      -----.-_    2,933 

"    James  Lloyd  ------ 2,976 

"     Artemas  Ward     ----.--...    2,939 

"    Andrew  Richie  Eqs'".      -     -     -     -     -     -     -     -2,942 

"    Henry  Dearborn  ----------       776 

"    William  Gray -     .     .     -     .       771 

"    Samuel  Brown 753 

William  Little  Esq^       -     -     - 697 

William  Ingalls  -------.._       737 

Thomas  Badger  -     - 737 

James  T.  Austin 
Alex"".  H.  Everett 
Benjamin  Russell  Esq*'.  -     -     7 
Jeremiah  Fitch     -     -     -     .     1 

John  Lowell 4 

Daniel  Jackson     .     -     -     -     l 

Henry  Orne 3 

Amos  Binney 1 


Sami.  jj.  Walley 

Benjamin  Austin  -  -  - 

Ch^  P.  Sumner    -  -  - 

Aaron  Hill      -     -  -  . 

Charles  Austin     -  -  - 

Samuel  Hubbard  -  -  - 

Richard  Sullivan  -  -  - 

Nath\  P.) Hunt     -  -  - 

Thomas  Melvill    -  -  - 

William  Tudor  Jr.  -  - 

William  Lawrence  -  - 

John  Wells      -     -  -  . 

Joseph  Head  -     -  -  - 
[159.]     Joseph  Tilden 

William  Sullivan  -  -  - 

Daniel  Parkman  -  -  - 

Caleb  Loring   -     -  -  - 

George  Hallet       -  .  - 

Edward  Gray  -     -  -  . 


-     - 76 

--------         38 

Benjamin  Smith  -     -     .     -     1 
Joseph  N.  Howe  -     -     -     -     1 

Samuel  Swett 2 

Simeon  Gardner  -     -     -     -     1 
Daniel  Messinger      -     .     -     1 

Ijemuel  Shaw 3 

Benj".  Whitman  -     -     -     -     6 

Eben  Clough 3 

John  Brazier   -----     4 
Henry  Lewis 4 


Geo.  Sullivan 
Jos.  F.  Bordman  - 
John  Fitch .  -  - 
Lorenzo  Knapp  - 
Dan^  Webster 
Samuel  Cobb  -  - 
Benjamin  Gorham 
George  Cabot  -  - 
John  Gray  -  -  - 
Charles  Davis  -  - 
Tristram  Barnard 
Henry  S.  Low 
Jon'^.  Loring  -  - 
James  Robinson  - 
Peter  Mcintosh    - 


98  City  Document  No.  128. 

George  Hastings  -     -     -     -     1      Gideon  Snow 1 

John  Roulstone    -     -     -     -     1      Joseph  Eaton 2 

William  Sturgis    .     -     -     -     1      Nattf.  Goddard    -     -     -     -     1 

Attested  copies  of  Return  of  the  Persons  voted  for  as  Governor, 
Lieutenant  Governor,  Counsellors  &  Senators  for  the  District  of 
Suffolk,  were  sealed  up  in  open  town  Meeting  (after  the  vote  had 
been  declared),  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Com- 
monwealth as  prescribed  by  Law,  and  directed  as  foUows  viz. 

To  Alden  Bradford  Esq''.  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts.  Votes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  for  Governor  & 
Lieutenant  Governor,  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting. 

Also  for  six  Counsellors  &  Senators  for  the  District  of  Suffolk, 
directed  in  the  same  manner. 

Then  this  Meetino-  was  Dissolved. 


[160.]  At  a  meeting  of  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  of  twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upwards,  qualiiied  as 
the  Constitution  prescribes  held  at  Faneuil  Hail,  on  Thursday  the 
14"^  day  of  May  A.D.  1818  —  10  O'Clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  Rev.  M"^.  Parkman, 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  relating  to  the  choice  of  Repre- 
sentatives read. 

The  Inhabitants  were  requested  to  bring  in  their  votes  for  one, 
or  more  persons  to  represent  the  Town  in  the  next  General 
Court. 

The  Poll  was  closed  at  half  past  One  O'clock  when  it  appeared 
that  the  whole  number  of  votes  given  in  was  —  796 
necessary  to  make  a  choice  —  399 

The  following  Gentlemen  had  a  majority  of  Votes,  and  were 
declared  to  be  duly  elected  Representatives  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Viz. 

Mess.  Stephen  Codman  Benjamin  Russell 

Benjamin  Whitman  Charles  Davis 

William  H.  Sumner  Nathan^  Curtis 

John  Howe  Jonathan  Loring 

Benjamin  Gorham  Benjamin  Smith 

John  Cotton  Benjamin  Rand 

David  Sears  Francis  Bassett 
Enoch  Silsby 

Then  this  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1818.  99 

[161.]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  25*^.  day  of  May 
A.D.  1818. 

10  O'clock.  A.M. 

"Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Joseph  Phillips  Esq"",  chosen  Moderator. 

Edward  Tuckerman  William  Hammatt 

William  Dall  Peter  O.  Thatcher  Esq^   & 

Joshua  Davis  Thomas  Dawes   Esq"",    were 
Chosen  Trustees  of  Neck  Lands. 

Mess.  Romanus  Emerson  & 

Abel  He  wens  were  chosen 
Fence  Viewers  for  the  District  of  South  Boston. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant   "  to  determine  if  the  Town  will 
furnish  the  funds  necessary  for  erecting  two  additional   School 
houses,  which  the  School  Committee  at  a  legal  Meeting  on  the 
15"'  inst  voted  were  necessary  "  was  taken  up  &  on 
Motion 

Voted  That  the  Town  Treasurer  be  authorized  to  borrow  on  the 
credit  of  the  Town  a  sum  not  exceeding  twenty  thousand  Dollars 
for  the  express  purpose  of  erecting  two  additional  School  houses 
in  the  Town  for  the  use  of  the  Town  ;  which  schools  shall  be 
called  the  Boylston  town  Schools  and  that  the  like  sum  of  twenty 
thousand  Dollars  from  the  money  secured  to  be  paid  to  the 
Town  [163]  by  Ward  N.  Boylston  Esq',  arising  out  of  the 
will  of  the  late  Thomas  Boylston  of  London  Esq"",  deceased,  with 
the  Interest  accruing  thereon,  be  appropriated  to  the  discharge  of 
this  debt. 

The  Report  of  the  Auditors  of  the  Town  Treasurers  Accounts 
and  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  being  read. 

It  was  Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  Committee  on  the 
finances  of  the  Town  be  Committed  to 

Benjamin  Austin  James  Savage 

Benjamin  Weld  Joseph  Adams 

Alexander  Townsend  Esq''^* 
who  are  authorized  to  print  the  whole  or  any  part  of  said  report 
they  may  think  proper,  and  distribute  the  same  for  the  informa- 
tion of  the  inhabitants,  four  days  previous  to  the  4*^.  June  next. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  to  take  into  consider- 
ation the  petition  of  David  Greenough  and  others  before  the 
Legislature  for  a  new  Market,  and  also  instructed  to  consider  the 
expediency  of  enlarging  the  Market  and  the  mode  of  effecting 


100  City  Document  No.  128. 

that  Object  have  attended  to  the  Duty  assigned  them  and  with 
due  respect  for  the  character  &  enterprize  of  the  petitioners  ask 
leave  to  report. 

That  in  the  year  1633  a  grant  of  a  fair  or  Market  was  made 
to  the  Town  of  Boston  —  and  that  independently  of  this  grant  it 
is  a  right  [163]  of  the  Town  to  hold  the  present  Market  called 
Faneuil  Hall  Market  in  virtue  of  long  continued  usage  undis- 
turbed by  the  erection  of  any  other  Market  place  in  its  vicinity. 
Your  Committee  are  decided  in  their  opinion  that  it  would  be 
highly  inexpedient  to  consent  to  the  establishment  of  a  Market 
near  to  or  (like  the  one  proposed  by  the  petitioners)  in  contact 
with  Faneuil  Hall  Market  as  it  would  not  only  endanger  the  gov- 
ernment, regulation  and  control  thereof,  but  would  essentially 
injure  the  rights  and  property  of  the  town,  by  competition  and 
interference  and  a  diminution  of  the  rents  &  income  of  the  Town 
which  might  be  exposed  to  a  total  loss  and  that  this  effect  might 
and  probably  would  be  produced  without  any  correspondmg  benefit 
to  the  inhabitants  in  the  reduction  of  the  prices  of  provisions. 

That  the  public  convenience  does  not  require  the  erection  of 
the  proposed  market,  as  the  Boylston  market  is  far  from  being 
crowded,  and  alterations  may  be  made  in  Faneuil  Hall  Market 
which  will  render  it,  as  convenient  as  the  inhabitants  can  reason- 
ably expect  in  the  present  state  of  the  town,  and  will  besides 
effect  many  important  alterations  in  the  streets  which  are  near 
the  Market  place. 

The  Committee  are  therefore  unanimously  of  opinion  that  the 
selectmen  should  be  requested  to  oppose  the  petition  of  David 
Greenough  Esq.  and  others  now  before  the  legislature  for  a  new 
Market  —  this  part  of  the  report  was  accepted  [164]  and, 
Voted,  Unanimously,  That  the  petition  of  David  Greenough 
Esq"".  &  Others  to  erect  a  new  Market  in  the  vicinity  of  the  old 
Market  near  Faneuil  Hall  would  if  granted  operate  injuriously  to 
the  rights  and  interest  of  the  town,  and  that  the  Selectmen  be 
requested  to  use  their  influence  to  prevent  the  same  being  granted 
by  the  legislature. 

The  remainder  of  the  Report  was  ordered  to  be  printed  and 
distributed  for  the  information  of  the  Inhabitants. 

The  application  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants  for  the  estab- 
lishment of  Schools  for  the  instruction  of  children  under  seven 
years  of  age,  was  read,  and  Committed  to 

Bedford  Webster  Samuel  May 

Thomas  L.  Winthrop  John  D.  Williams 

EUsha  Ticknor  James  Savage 

James  Prince  Benjamin  West  & 

Thomas  Jackson  Esq"^. 
to  consider  and  report  thereoii  at  the  Adjournment. 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  the  A^^  day  of  June  next  10  O'clock 
A.M. 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1818.  101 

[165.]     Thursday  June  4:'^  1818 

The  Town  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  Moderator  being  absent 

Benjamin  Weld  Esq"",  was  chosen  Moderator.  Pro.  Tem. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  of  Boston  on  the  9*^. 
day  of  March  last  "  To  audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Town  Treas- 
urer &  Collector  "  with  directions  also  to  report  the  sum  necessary 
to  be  raised  for  the  services  of  the  present  year,  Respectfully 
Report,  that  they  have  so  far  attended  the  services  assign'd  them, 
by  examining  the  Town  Treasurer  «fe  Collectors  Accounts  of 
receipts  and  payments  for  the  year  past,  and  find  them  right  cast 
and  well  vouched,  and  that  there  results  a  balance  in  the  hands 
of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq'^.  the  Treasurer,  of  Twenty  one  thou- 
sand, five  hundred  and  fifty  four  dollars  and  eighty  three  cents 
belonging  to  the  Town,  this  Account  which  is  handed  herewith, 
includes  all  the  drafts  made  on  the  Treasurer  by  the  Boards  of 
Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor  and  the  board  of  health,  who 
are  authorized  by  the  Town  to  appropriate  the  Town's  money  for 
the  several  purposes  within  their  respective  departments,  the  par- 
ticulars of  which  will  appear  by  the  statements  which  are  annu- 
ally made  to  the  Town  by  the  standing  Committee  of  Finance, 
to  which  report  your  Committee  also  refer  the  Town  for  amount 
of  the  Sum  necessary  to  be  raised  for  the  services  of  the  present 
year  —  All  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  order  of  the  Com- 
mittee of  Auditors.  Boston  May  18,  1818  Stephen  Codman 

Chairman. 

[166.]  The  Committee  to  whom  was  submitted  on  the  25*^. 
ult.  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  made  the  following 
report 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  report  of  the  Commit- 
tee of  Finance  ha\ing  complied  with  the  request  of  the  Town  in 
"  printing  and  distributing  the  same  for  the  information  of  the 
Citizens,"  have  also  taken  into  consideration  the  mode  to  be 
adopted  in  future,  previous  to  granting  the  Annual  Taxes  — 
which  will  be  submitted  to  the  Town  at  the  adjournment  on 
Thursday  next. 

It  is  requested  there  may  be  a  full  meeting  to  consider  the 
Subject  as  it  is  of  the  highest  importance,  that  while  the  Citizens 
are  so  prompt  in  the  payment  of  taxes,  a  more  particular  detail 
of  such  expences  should  in  future  be  exhibited,  in  order  that 
they  may  obtain  the  fullest  information  on  their  money  concerns, 
before  they  assemble  in  Town  Meeting  to  grant  the  supplies 

Benjamin  Austin 

Chairman. 


102  City  Docitment  No.  128.. 

Sixth  annual  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  of  the  Town 
of  Boston 

The  Committee  of  finance  of  the  Town  of  Boston  consisting  of 
the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  Board  of  health,  having 
attended  to  the  duty  assign'd  them  by  the  Town,  have  examined  the 
books  of  the  Treasurer  and  collector,  and  are  [167]  satisfied  with 
the  diligence  and  attention  of  that  officer  and  with  the  accuracy 
of  his  accounts.     They  present  the  following  Report. 

The  Amount  of  Warrants  for  taxes  in  1817  given  to  the 
Treasurer  and  Collector,  were  for  State  Tax 

$22,000.00 
Town  &  County  tax  141,643.40 


$163,643.40 


Amount  received  by  the  Treasurer  from  October  1,   1817  to 

May  18.  1818        $153,669.00 

Amount  of  abatements 6,943.60 

Balance  remaining  uncollected      -     -     .     .     _  3,030.80 


$163,643.40 

From  which  it  appears,  that  the  whole  tax  has  been  paid  or 
settled  in  less  than  eight  months,  excepting  about  $3000  dollars, 
from  which  the  Treasurer  estimates  nearly  1000  may  be  collected  ; 
your  committee  cannot  refrain  from  expressing  their  opinion  that 
this  promptness  is  honorable  to  the  Treasurer  and  to  the  Inhab- 
itants ;  and  is  an  evidence  of  well  arrang'd  financial  concerns. 
The  following  is  a  statement  of  the  Towns  Debts  and  Credits. 
Town  of  Boston  D''. 

On  State  Tax $10,000. 

County  of  Suffolk      -     -     -     - 8,000 

Notes  due  to  several  Persons        21,500 

Selectmen  of  Boston  for  M'^^  Brooker's  Dona- 
tion, a  fund,  the  Interest  of  which  is  paid 
annually  to  Widows  &  Sick  Persons  -     -     -  1230. 

Balances   unpaid   on    Selectmen  &    Overseers 

Acct^ -     -     .     .  223.44 

Unliquidated  Accounts --  5,046.56 


46,000.00 


[168.]  Town  of  Boston  Q\ 

By  Several  Notes  for  land  &c. 8,739.73 

Due  for  State  Poor 7,000. 

Taxes  uncollected  estimated  to  produce      -     -  1,000. 

Cash  in  Treasury 21,554.83 

Balance 12,705.44 

46,000.00 


Boston  Town  Records,  1818.  103 

The  balance  of  the  Account  current  last  year 

was 38,601.87 

The  above  Statement  shows  it  to  be  at  present        12,705.44 

And  exhibits  the  Sum  paid  this   year  of  the 

old  debt 25,396.43 

A  calculation  was  made  in  the  last  years  report  to  pay  off 
14,000  dollars,  of  the  old  debt,  this  has  not  only  been  realized 
but  a  much  larger  sum  has  been  paid. 

The  demands  on  the  Town  as  before  stated     -      $46,000 
Add  thereto  for  current  expences  of  the  year  as 

follows  : 
For  Selectmen's  department       -     -       70,000. 
For  Overseers  of  the  Poor     -     -     -       30,000. 

For  Board  of  Health 7,000 

107,000. 

Amount  of  State  Tax 22,000. 

Amount  of  County  Tax 22,000. 

Interest  on  Outstanding  debts      .     -     .     _     _  2,700. 

Exhibits  the  Amount  to  be  paid  this  year  =  $199,700.00 
To  be  Provided  for  as  follows.         -■^— — — 

From  Money  in  the  Treasury 21,554.83 

From  Notes  becoming  due    -     - -  3,739.73 

From  Commonwealth  for  Poor  -------  7,000.00 

Rents  of  Town  House  &c      ----..-.        15,000.00 

Taxes  receivable  outstanding -  1,000.00 

Amount  assessed  for  State  Tax        $22,000. 

Amount  assessed  for  County  Tax      22,000. 

Amount  assessed  for  Town  Tax      107,405.44=  151,405.44 

$199,700,00 

[169.]     Bro*.  forward    -     - $199,700.00 

Addition  for  probable  abatement 10,000.00 

1209,700.00 


The  Committee  recommend  that  the  Town  should  vote  a  Tax  of 
107,405  Dollars  and  10,000  in  addition,  to  meet  the  abatements, 
this  Amount  will  defray  the  current  expences  of  the  year  and 
pay  off  the  balance  of  the  towns  debt. 

Respectfully  submitted  by  order  of  the 
Committee  of  Finance. 

Turner  Phillips 

Chairman. 

The  foregoing  report  was  read  and  accepted  by  the  Town  — 
and 


104  City  Document  No.  128. , 

Voted  That  the  sum  of  One  hundred  and  seventeen  thousand 
four  hundred  and  five  Dollars,  be  raised  by  a  Tax  to  be  assessed 
upon  the  Polls  and  Estates  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  to  de- 
fray the  expences  of  the  Town  the  present  year. 

Upon  the  representation  and  exhibition  of  the  doings  and  pro- 
ceedings of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq.  Treasurer  and  Collector  of 
Taxes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  the  last  year. 

Voted  That  the  Town  of  Boston  highly  approve  of  the  conduct 
of  said  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq.  in  the  said  Offices  of  Treasurer  & 
Collector  and  that  he  has  faithfully  and  fully  as  was  in  his  power 
completed  the  execution  of  his  duty  in  said  offices  to  which  he  has 
been  appointed  as  aforesaid  and  that  he  be  excused  from  all  de- 
linquency [170]  or  default  in  not  having  effected  the  full  and 
complete  settlement  of  the  Taxes  by  him  to  have  been  received  or 
collected  according  to  law. 

Voted  That  the  Treasurer  be  authorized  to  borrow  a  sum  not 
exceeding  Seventy  thousand  Dollars  if  the  same  should  be  found 
necessary  for  the  Service  of  the  Town. 

The  proposition  of  the  Committee  of  which  the  Hon.  Benjamin 
Austin  was  chairman  were  committed  to 

Mess.  H.  C  Otis  James  Prince 

James  T.  Austin  S.  A.  Wells 

S.  Swett 
to  consider  and  report  at  a  future  meeting. 

Voted  That  the  report  of  the  Committee  of   which  the  Hon. 
John  Wells  is  Chairman    subside  for  the  present  and  the  com- 
munication of  David  Greenough  Esq''.  &  others  committed  to 
Mess.  H.  C  Otis  J.  Wells 

J.  Prince  B.  Austin 

J.  Savage  B.  Weld 

R.  Webster  Esq'^^ 

Voted  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  the  Hon.  Thomas  Dawes 
the  sum  of  Seven  hundred  and  fifty  Dollars  as  his  Salary  as 
Judge  of  the  Municipal  Court  for  this  present  year. 

[171.]  Voted  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Thomas 
Clark,  Town  Clerk,  the  sum  of  One  thousand  Dollars  as  his  Salary 
for  the  present  year. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  the  Sum  of  One  thousand  Dollars  to  each  of 
the  permanent  Assessors  of  the  Town  of  Boston  for  the  present 
year. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1818.  105 

Voted  That  the  consideration  of  the  Salary  of  Andrew  Sigourney 
Esq'',  be  deferred  to  the  Adjournment. 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  June  ll*'^ 

Thursday  June  11"M818  — 
The  Town  met  agreeable  to  adjournment. 

The  Moderator  pro-Tempore,  inform 'd  the  Inhabitants  that  the 
Town  Clerk  was  unable  to  attend  at  this  meeting,  being  confined 
at  his  house  by  sickness,  whereupon  it  was  moved  and  voted  to 
choose  a  Clerk  pro.  tempore  a  nomination  being  called  for,  and  the 
question  taken,  Turner  Phillips  was  declared  to  be  chosen. 

The  following  report  of  the  Committee  of  which  Redford 
Webster  Esq^'.  was  Chairman  was  then  read. 

The  Committee  appointed  at  the  Town  Meeting  on  the  25*^. 
ultimo  to  consider  the  subject  of  the  petition  of  a  number  of  the 
inhabitants  for  the  establishment  by  the  Town,  of  schools  for 
children  under  Seven  years  of  [173]  age,  having  attentively 
considered  it,  ask  leave  respectfully  to  Report 

That  in  their  opinion  the  opening  of  such  schools  for  children 
under  the  age  of  seven  years  is  highly  expedient  and  necessary ; 
that  several  hundred  children  of  that  age  do  not  attend  any 
school,  because  the  charity  schools  are  in  most  instances  provided 
only  for  female  children  being  under  the  inspection  of  ladies, 
their  founders,  and  the  private  schools  are  so  expensive,  that 
many  parents  find  it  difficult  to  defray  that  expense ;  that  the 
examination  of  the  circumstances  of  the  several  parts  of  the 
Town  in  this  respect  made  last  July,  presented  a  return  by  which 
it  is  found,  that  two  hundred  and  eighty  three  children  between 
the  age  of  four  &  seven  years  did  not  attend  any  school,  but 
from  enquiry  of  some  of  the  Gentlemen  who  made  the  return,  the 
committee  are  satisfied,  that  many  children  of  that  age  were 
omitted,  their  parents  or  guardians  being  unwilling  to  acknowl- 
edge that  they  were  sent  to  no  school ;  that  the  Committee  with 
greater  confidence  recommend  the  the  adoption  of  such  a  course, 
because  most  of  the  towns  in  this  Commonwealth  provide 
Schools  for  Children  of  four  years  old  equally  with  others,  and 
[173]  particularly  is  this  adhered  to  in  the  large  Towns  of 
Salem,  Newbury  Port  and  Portland ;  that  the  best  mode  of 
providing  such  schools  seems  to  them  to  be  by  the  guidance  and 
direction  of  three  G-entlemen  from  each  Ward,  of  sufficient 
activity,  firmness,  discretion  and  energy,  to  be  nominated  by  the 
School  Committee ;  Wherefore  they  conclude  by  submitting  the 
following  resolutions  to  introduce  the  proposed  experiment. 

Voted  That  the  School  Committee  be  instructed  in  the  month 
of  June  annually  to  nominate  and  appoint  three  Gentlemen  in 
each  ward,  whose  duty  collectively,  shall  be  to  provide  instruc- 


106  City  Document  No.  128. 

tion  for  children  between  four  &  seven  years  of  age,  and  appor- 
tion the  expences  among  the  several  schools. 

Voted,  that  five  thousand  dollars  be  appropriated  out  of  the 
Town  Treasury  for  the  pui'pose  in  the  foregoing  vote  expressed, 
to  be  paid  by  the  Treasurer  on  warrants  drawn  on  him  in  the 
same  manner  as  warrants  are  for  the  expences  of  the  other  Town 
Schools 

By  Order  of  the  Committee 

Redford  Webster 
June  S^'^  1818. 

[174.]  The  foregoing  report  of  the  Committee  to  consider  the 
petition  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  for  the  establishment  by 
the  town,  of  schools  for  children  under  seven  years  of  age  was 
accepted  and  five  thousand  dollars  added  to  the  estimate  of  the 
expenses  of  the  ensuing  year  to  carry  the  same  into  effect. 

Voted  That  the  Committee  who  have  under  consideration  the 
propositions  made  to  the  town  by  the  Committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  finance  be  requested  to 
report  at  the  adjournment. 

The  consideration  of  the  report  of  the  Committee  to  whom  was 
referred  the  proposals  of  David  G-reenough  &  others  was  post- 
poned to  the  adjournment. 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  25*'^.  inst. 

[175.]  Thursday  June  25^^  1818. 

The  Town  met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  proposals  of  David 
Greenough  &  others  of  the  4*^*^  inst.  made  a  report,  which  was 
read  &  considered,  &  the  subject  referred  to  the  next  March 
meeting. 

The  printed  report  of  the  Committee  on  subject  of  the  Market 
was  indefinitely  postponed. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  sundry  Motions  refei'red 
by  a  former  Committee  for  the  consideration  of  the  Town,  beg 
leave  to  report  the  same  as  taken  into  a  new  draft  as  follows. 

Voted,  That  the  annual  report  and  estimate  of  the  Committee 
of  finance  on  the  subject  of  Taxes  and  supplies  for  the  current 
year  shall  in  future  be  printed  under  the  direction  of  the  Select- 
men and  distributed  by  the   Constables  among  the  Inhabitants 


Boston  Town  Records,  1818.  107 

four  days  at  least  previously  to  the  meeting  of  the  Town  to  act 
upon  those  subjects ;  and  that  said  report  be  accompanied  by 
statements  of  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  the  Town  for  the 
past  year  as  far  as  the  same  can  be  ascertained,  distinguishing  as 
nearly  as  may  be  the  expenses  incurred  for  paving,  laying  out 
and  improving  the  streets,  for  compensations  made  to  individuals, 
for  land  taken  for  public  uses ;  for  the  purchase  of  oil  and  light- 
ing the  lamps  ;  for  the  pay  of  Watchmen,  salaries  for  police  & 
Municipal  Officers,  For  [176]  Pubhc  Schools  and  salaries  to  the 
preceptors  &  assistants.  For  Printing  and  Stationery ;  for  the 
improvement  and  repairs  of  the  Common.  Also  —  a  statement 
of  the  receipts  arising  from  the  Franklin,  Boylston  and  other 
donations  and  their  appropriations,  from  licenses  to  hackney 
coachmen  and  others,  from  the  market  house,  stalls  and 
public  buildings,  from  fines  and  forfeitures  paid  into  the 
Treasury  of  the  Town,  and  generally  of  all  other  receipts  and 
expenditures,  so  as  to  afford  a  clear  &  succinct  view  of  the  same. 
Also  a  statement  of  the  real  estate  and  other  property  belonging 
to  the  Town,  with  the  respective  rents  and  incomes  thereof. 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  of  three  persons  be  appointed  by  the 
Town  at  their  annual  meeting  to  examine  the  report  of  receipts 
and  expenditures  made  by  the  Committee  of  Finance,  in  order  to 
ascertain  whether  any  savings  or  retrenchments  may  be  made  in 
the  public  expences. 

Voted  That  the  Selectmen  be  requested  to  use  all  the  means  in 
their  power  to  obtain  from  the  Court  of  Sessions  from  time  to 
time,  the  estimates  for  County  Taxes,  intended  to  be  applied  for 
to  the  Legislature  before  the  making  of  any  such  application 
and  that  such  estimates  together  with  the  sums  which  from  year 
to  year  may  be  assessed  upon  the  inhabitants  for  the  Towns 
proportion  of  county  taxes  be  [177]  also  printed  and  distributed 
with  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance. 

H.  G.  Otis 

Chairman  per  Order. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  &  accepted. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  to  Andrew  Sigourney 
Esq"^.  Three  thousand  five  hundred  Dollars,  in  full  for  his  services 
as  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector  of  Taxes,  for  Clerk  hire  and  all 
other  expences  in  the  delivery  of  tax  bills  and  collection  of 
Taxes. 

John  Bray  Esq.  was  chosen  a  Fireward  in  place  of  Bryant  P. 
Tilden  Esq'',  resigned. 

Joseph  Cabot  was  chosen  a  Hogreeve  &  Hay  ward. 


108  City  Document  No.  128.   , 

[178.]  At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Saturday,  the  4'^*. 
day  of  July  A.D.  1818,  10  o'clock  A.M. 

"Warrant  for  calling  the  meeting  read. 

Thomas  Clark  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  last  year  to  make  choice  of  a 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  oration  on  the  Anniversary  of  Indepen- 
dence ;  Reported  :  That  they  had  chosen  Francis  C.  Gray,  Esq^ 
who  had  accepted  the  appointment. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  Old  South  Church  at  12  o'clock,  M. 

Met  at  the  Old  South  Church  where  an  oration  was  delivered 
by  Francis  C.  Gray  Esq'^.  to  commemorate  the  Independence  of 
the  United  States  of  America. 

Voted :  that  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a 
Committee  to  wait  on  Francis  C.  Gray  Esq*",  in  the  name  of  the 
Town,  and  thank  him  for  the  elegant  and  spirited  Oration  this 
day  delivered  by  him,  at  the  request  of  the  Town,  upon  the  anni- 
versary of  American  Independence,  in  which  were  considered  the 
feelings,  manners,  and  principles,  which  produced  the  great 
national  event,  and  the  important  and  happy  effects  general  and 
domestic  which  have  already,  or  will  forever  flow  from  that 
auspicious  epoch,  and  to  request  of  him  a  copy  for  the  press. 

[179.]  Voted:  that  the  Gentlemen  Selectmen  be  and  hereby 
are  appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  some  able  and  learned 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oi'ation  on  the  5"\  day  of  July,  1819 
(the  4*.  day  of  July  in  that  year  falling  on  a  Sunday)  The  5"\ 
will  be  celebrated  as  the  anniversary  of  the  Independence  of  the 
United  States  of  America  :  wherein  the  orator  is  to  consider  the 
feelings,  manners  and  principles  which  led  to  this  great  national 
event,  as  well  as  the  important  and  happy  effects,  which  have 
already,  or  will  forever  flow  from  that  Auspicious  Epoch. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[180.]  At  a  convention  of  the  boards  of  Selectmen,  Over- 
seers of  the  Poor  and  board  of  Health  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
held  in  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  13*^.  day  of  July  A.D.  1818 
4^  O'clock  P.M. 

Present  a  Majority  of  each  Board 
viz.  Mess.  Phillips,  Oliver,  Lovering,  Austin,  Dorr  &  Farnam,  of 
the  Selectmen. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1818.  109 

Mess.  Perkins,  "Webster,  Snelling,  Mackay,  Coolidge  Jr. 
Richards  &  Walley  of  the  Board  of  Overseers  —  and 

Mess".  Badger,  Otis,  Weld,  Hitchborn,  Davis,  Kilham  & 
Fitch  of  the  Board  of  Health. 

Voted  to  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer  for  the 
year  ensuing. 

Mess'^^®.  Oliver  &  Perkins  were  appointed  a  committee  to 
receive,  sort  &  count  the  votes. 

Votes  being  taken  for  a  Town  Treasurer  Andrew  Sigourney 
Esq',  was  declared  to  be  unamimously  chosen. 

Voted,  to  come  to  the  choice  of  one  Collector  of  Taxes  for  the 
ensuing  year. 

Votes  being  taken  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq',  was  chosen  unani- 
mously. 

M'.  Sigourney  having  been  notified  of  his  appointment  to  the 
above  offices,  declared  his  acceptance  and  proposed  Hon.  Jona- 
than Hunnewell  and  Benjamin  Weld  Esq',  as  his  Bondsmen. 

Voted  that  the  above  named  Gentlemen  [181]  be  accepted 
as  M'.  Sigourney's  Bondsmen,  and  that  they  execute  a  Bond  of 
Twenty  thousand  Dollars  as  Treasurer  and  another  Bond  for  the 
same  sum  as  Collector  of  Taxes. 

Mess".  Oliver,  Mackay  &  Badger,  were  appointed  a  Committee 
to  see  that  the  Bonds  are  given  by  the  Treasurer  and  Collector  of 
Taxes,  and  that  he  is  qualified  according  to  Law. 

Then  the  Convention  was  Dissolved. 


[183.]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  qualified  to  vote  for  Representatives  to  the  General 
Court  of  this  Commonwealth ;  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday 
the  2"^.  day  of  November  A.D.  1818,  10  O'Clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  Rev.  M'.  Palfrey. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

The  Resolve  of  the  General  Court  for  choosing  one  Represen- 
tative in  Congress  of  the  United  States  for  the  District  of  Suf- 
folk— read. 


110  City  Document  No.   128. 

JThe  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  requested  the  Jo  habitants  to 
bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Representative  to  Congress  for  the 
Suffolk  District  &  informed  them  that  the  Poll  would  be  closed  at 
half  past  One  O'Clock. 

Persons  Voted  for  as  a  Representative  for  the  Suffolk  District 
in  this  Commonwealth  in  the  next  Congress  of  the  United  States 
viz. 

Hon. 


Jonathan  Mason — 

641 

Sam^  Hammond          — 

2 

Andrew  Ritchie  — 

385 

Caleb  Hayward             — 

1 

Daniel  Webster  — 

4 

James  Lloyd                  — 

1 

James  T.  Austin — 

2 

Eben*-.  Clough              — 

1 

Joseph  Ruggles  — 

1 

Moses  Williams            — 

2 

Sami.  j^    YV^eiig  _ 

1 

Daniel  Dunton             — 

1 

Paul  Dean           — 

1 

Alexander  H.  Everett — 

1 

[183]  and  declaration  thereof  was  made  in  open  Town  Meeting. 

A  return  of  the  doings  of  this  meeting  was  made  out  conform- 
ably to  the  directions  of  the  General  Court  and  delivered  to  the 
Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  by  the  Town  Clerk. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


1819. 

[184.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  8^^.  day  of  March 
A.D.  1819  10  O  Clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  Rev*^.  M'.  Greenwood. 

Warrant  for  CalUng  the  Meeting  read. 

Law  respecting  the  Election  of  Town  Officers  read. 

Benjamin  Russell  Esq',  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Thomas  Clark  was  chosen  Town  Clerk  for  the  year  ensuing ; 
The  Oath  of  Office  was  administered  to  him  by  the  Moderator. 

Voted  to  choose  9  Selectmen,  poll  to  close  at  12  Oclock. 

Voted  That  Nathan  Webb,  Oliver  Johonnot,  Alden  Bradford, 
Jacob  Stearns  &  William  Sturgis  be  a  Committee  to  assist  the 
Moderator  &  Town  Clerk  in  sorting  &  counting  the  Votes  for 
Selectmen. 

Turner  Phillips  Joseph  Austin 

Ebenezer  Oliver  Henry  Bass 

.Jonathan  Hunnewell  Samuel  Dorr 

Joseph  Lovering  Enoch  Silsby  and 

Lemuel  Shaw  Esquires 
were  chosen  Selectmen  for  the  ensuing  year. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1819.  Ill 

[1.85.]  The  oath  of  Office  was  administered  to  Turner 
Phillips,  Joseph  Levering,  Joseph  Austin,  Henry  Bass,  Samuel 
Dorr  &  Enoch  Silsby  Esq',  by  the  Moderator. 

Voted  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Henry  Farn- 
ham  Esq'',  for  his  faithful  services  as  one  of  the  Selectmen  the 
years  past. 

Hon.  William  Phillips  Esq"^.  Joseph  Richards 

Redford  Webster  Jonathan  Phillips 

Thomas  Perkins  Samuel  May 

Samuel  Snelling  Jacob  Hall 

William  Mackay  Edward  Tuckerman  & 

Joseph  Coolidge  Jr.  Sam^.  H.  Walley  Esq''*. 

were  cnosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  and  of  the  Workhouse  for  the 

year  ensuing. 

Voted  That  in  addition  to  the  Selectmen  twelve  persons   shall 
now  be  chosen  a  School  Committee  and  the  votes  being  collected 
it  appeared  that  the  following  G-entlemen  were  Chosen  viz. 
Doct.  Aaron  Dexter  Peter  O.  Thatcher 

Doct.  Thomas  Welch  Francis  J.  Oliver 

Rev.  Charles  Lowell  Wilham  Wells 

Rev.  Joshua  Huntington  Benjamin  Russell 

Rev.  Nath^  L.  Frothlngham      Henry  J.  Ohver  & 
[186.]   Charles  Davis  Benjamin  West  Esq'^^ 

Voted  That  the  above  named  Gentlemen  who  conjointly  with 
the  Selectmen  are  termed  the  School  Committee,  be  and  hereby 
are  directed  to  carry  the  System  of  education  adopted  by  the 
Town  into  operation ;  and  that  said  Committee  be  also  author- 
ized and  empowered  conjointly  to  manage  and  regulate  the  Gov- 
ernment of  the  Schools ;  and  to  exercise  all  the  powers  relative 
to  the  Schools  and  School  Masters  which  the  Selectmen  or  Such 
committees  are  authorized  by  the  laws  of  this  Commonwealth  or 
by  the  votes  of  the  Town  to  exercise.  — 

Voted  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Rev. 
Horace  Holley  for  his  faithful  services  as  one  of  the  School  Com- 
mittee for  several  years  past. 

Voted  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Doct.  John  C. 
Warren  for  his  faithful  services  as  one  of  the  School  Committee 
for  several  years  past. 

[187.]      Thomas  Melvill  Benjamin  Rich 

John  Winslow  Joseph  Lovering 

Stephen  Codman  Gedney  King 

John  Bray  Francis  J.  Oliver 

Daniel  Messinger  John  D.  WilUams 


112  City  Document  No.  128. 

Joshua  Davis  William  Harris 

Benjamin  Smith  Jonathan  Loring 

Nathaniel  Curtis  John  Mackay 

James  Phillips  Turner  Phillips 

Nathan  Webb  Lemuel  Shaw 

Samuel  M.  Thayer  Benjamin  Russell  & 

Joseph  Austin  Thomas  Jackson  Esquires, 
were  Chosen  Firewards  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Voted  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Andrew 
Cunningham  Esq'^'.  for  his  faithful  services  as  a  Fire  Ward  for 
many  years  past. 

[188.]  Voted  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the 
Hon^  Jonathan  Hunnewell  Esq'^.  for  his  faithful  services  as  a 
Fire  Ward  for  many  years  past. 

Votes  were  received  for  a  Treasurer  for  the  County  of  Suffolk, 
by  the  Moderator  &  Town  Clerk ;  on  counting  the  Votes  it 
appeared  that  there  was  one  hundred  and  forty  five,  all  for  John 
Winslow  Esq"". 

Mess.  Benjamin  White  William  Ellison 

William  Clouston  Nathaniel  Glover 

Nathaniel  Bradlee  John  Howe  Jr. 

Noah  Daggett  Richard  Thayer 

Braddock  Loring  Edward  J.  Robbins 

Thomas  Christie  Henry  Blake 

William  Green  Joseph  Tucker 

Eleazer  Homer  Moses  Eyers  Jr. 

Joseph  Stodder  Benjamin  Harris  & 

Allen  Bowker  Oliver  Mills 

were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Boards  and  other  Lumber. 

[189.]  Voted  to  choose  Six  firewards  (in  addition  to  the 
number  chosen  this  day)  at  the  Meeting  in  May  next. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  next  15"'  inst  10  Oclock  A.M. 

Monday  March  IS*"^  1819. 
Met  according  to  Adjournment. 

Mess.  Henry  Purkitt  Benjamin  Clark 

Benjamin  Owen  James  Brown  and 

Nathaniel  Howe  Charles  Pook 

were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Hoops  and  Staves. 

Mess''^  Benjamin  Clark  John  F.  Bannister 

Nathaniel  Howe          Thomas  Lewis 
Claries  Pook  William  Spear 

Benjamin  Owen  Jacob  Barstow  and 

James  Brown  Ebenezer  Berry 

were  Chosen  Cullers  of  Dry  Fish. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1819.  113 

Mess^^  Benjamin  White  [190]  John  Howe  Jr. 

Nathaniel  Bradlee      Romanus  Emerson  & 
William  Ellison  Abel  Hewins, 

were  chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  year  ensuing. 

Mess.  Joseph  Champney      Neddy  Curtis  and 
Joseph  Cabot  James  Baxter 

were  chosen  Hogreeves  &  Haywards  for  the  year  ensuing 


ors  of  Hemp. 


veyors  of  Wheat. 


Samuel  Emmons  and 

James  Phillips  Esq'^^  were  Chosen  Survey- 

Josiah  Snelling  and 

Thomas   Howe  Esq"^*.    were  Chosen    Sur- 


Mess".  John  Wells  and 
Nathaniel  Alley 
were  Chosen  Assay  Masters. 

Mess.  Michael  Homer 

Francis  James  and 

Samuel     Sprague     were     chosen     inspec- 
tors of  Lime. 

The  Selectmen  were  chosen  Surveyors  of  the  High  Way. 

Voted  that  Stephen  Codman 

Francis  J.  Oliver  and 

Robert  G.  Shaw  Esq''^ 
be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to  audit  the  Accounts 
of  the  Town  Treasurer  [191]  and  said  Committee  are  directed 
to  report  the  Sum  necessary  to  be  raised  for  the  service  of  the 
present  year. 

Voted  That  the  consideration  of  all  money  matters  be  referred 
to  the  May  Meeting 

James  Prince 

Nathaniel  Goddard  and 

Isaac  Winslow  Esq^®. 
were  appointed  a  Committee  to  examine  the  Report  of  receipts 
and  expenditures  made  by  the  Committee  of  finance  in  order  to 
ascertain  whether  any  savings  or  retrenchments  may  be  made  in 
the  public  expences,  agreeable  to  a  Vote  of  the  Town  of  the  25*^ 
June  last. 

A  Communication  from  the  Board  of  Health  on  the  Subject  of 
the  Burial  Ground  at  South  Boston  was  read.     On  Motion 


114  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted  to  refer  the  same  to  a  Committee  consisting  of  one 
person  from  each  ward  ;  The  Committee  to  report  at  the  May 
Meeting 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen  on  the  Committee  viz. 

William  Harris  Sam\  A.  Wells 

Jacob  Rhodes  [193]     Thomas  Dean 
Nathan  Webb  Benjamin  Russell 

Josiah  Marshall  Lewis  Tappan 

Oliver  Johonnot  Winslow  Lewis  and 

Thomas  Howe  Barzilla  Holmes  Esq'". 

Voted  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Moderator 
for  his  Services  at  this  Meeting. 

Then  this  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[193.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  of  Twenty  one  years  of  Age  and  upwards,  qualified  as 
the  Constitution  prescribes,  and  legally  warned  and  assembled  at 
Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  6^^  day  of  April  A.D.  1819  — 
9  OClock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev*^.  M"".  Frothingbam. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Paragraphs  of  the  Constitution  or  Frame  of  Government  rela- 
tive to  the  Choice  of  Governor  Lieutenant  Governor  &  Senators, 
read. 

Law  of  the  Commonwealth  dividing  the  State  into  Districts  for 
the  choice  of  Councillors  and  Senators  —  read 

On  Motion  Voted  That  the  Poll  be  closed  at  2  Oclock  —  The 
Bells  to  commence  toling  at  half  past  One. 

Persons  voted  for  as  Governor,  with  the  number  of  Votes  for 
each  person,  viz. 

His  Exceliy.  John  Brooks 3641 

Hon.  Benjamin  W.  Crowninshield 1724 

"       WilUam  Eustis 5 

"       John  Adams 2 

"       Timothy  Pickering 1 

George  Reed   ---.- 1 

5374 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1819.  115 

Persons  voted  for  as  Lieut.  Governor  with  the  Number  of 
Votes  for  each  person,  viz. 

[194.]   His  Honor  William  Phillips 3626 

Hon^.  Benjamin  Austin -.  1720 

"       James  Lloyd         ----_-__.         2 

"       John  Phillips 

"       B.  W.  Crowninshield - 

James  Prince  ------_.-_ 

William  Eustis -.__ 

Eben*'.  Clough 

William  Dehon     - 

Moses  Ballou 

John  Chandler     - 

William  Gray 

Peter  O.  Thatcher 

Levi  Lincoln ._ 

Samuel  A.  Wells      ---__.._ 

Jacob  Bender 

Naty.  Silsby 

Persons  voted  for  as  Councillors  and  Senators,  for  the  Dis- 
trict of  Suffolk,  with  the  Number  of  Votes  for  each  person  — 
viz  — 

Hon.  John  Phillips 3620 

"      Josiah  Quincy 3349 

"      Jonathan  Hunnewell 3583 

"      Artemas  Ward 3580 

"      Andrew  Ritchie 3582 

Benjamin  Gorham  Esq. 3542 

Hon.  Henry  Dearborn    - 1738 

"      William  Gray 1775 

"      Samuel  Brown  -- 1762 

Col.      Thomas  Badger _  1723 

[195.]   Docf.  WiUiam  Ingalls 1738 

James  T.  Austin  Esq*'. 1761 

Joseph  Tilden 14 

William  Sullivan 10 

Benjamin  Russell 8 

William  Sturgis 5 

Nathaniel  Goddard  -  -  4  James  Lloyd  -  .  _  .  4 
Lemuel  Shaw  -  -  -  -  4  Isaac  Winslow  -  -  .  4 
Sam^  G.  Perkins  -  -  -  3  Augustus  Peabody  -  -  3 
Henry  Orne  -  -  .  _  3  Daniel  Webster  -  -  .  3 
Israel  Thorndike  -  -  .  3  Joseph  Head  -  .  .  _  2 
Richard  Sullivan  -  -  -  2  Thos.  H.  Perkins  -  -  -  7 
Charles  Callender  -  -  -  2  William  Little  -  -  -  .  2 
David  W.  Child  -  -  -  2  William  Lawrence  -  -  2 
Benjamin  Austin  -  -  -  6  Joel  Prouty  -  _  .  .  2 
John  Roul stone  -  -  -  2  George  Wells  -  -  .  _  2 
John  Wells  -----         3      Jonathan  Amory   -     -     -         2 


116 


City  Document  No.  128. 


George  Hallet  -     -  - 

Daniel  Sargent  -     -  - 

Jeremiah  Fitch      -  - 

H.  G.  Otis  -     -     -  - 
David  Greenough  - 

Henry  Lee  -     -     -  - 

John  N  Howe  -     -  - 

John  Lepean     -     -  - 

Issac  Davis  -     -     -  - 

Edward  Cruft   -     -  - 

Zebedee  Cook  -     -  - 

Nathi.  P.  Hunt      -  - 

Horace  Draper  -     -  - 

David  Melcher  -     -  - 
[196.]  Daniel  Adams 

Joshua  Clapp    -     -  - 

Thomas  K.  Jones  -  - 

Peter  C.  Brooks     -  - 

Joseph  Coolidge  Jr.  - 
Jonathan  Whitney 

David  Thatcher     -  - 

Oliver  Johonnot     -  - 

Oliver  Train     -     -  - 

Henry  S.  Low  -     -  - 

Henry  Williams     -  - 

Harvey  Hartshorn  -  - 

Tun°.  M.  Clapp     -  - 

Josiah  Bradlee  -     -  - 

James  Prince    -     -  - 


Benj".  Ward  -  - 
Samuel  Dexter  -  - 
George  Blake  -  - 
Caleb  Loring  -  - 
John  Webly  -  - 
John  Lee  -  -  . 
Charles  T.  Austin  - 
Benj°.  Jarvis  -  - 
Stephen  Codman  - 
H.  H.  Tuckerman  - 
Jos.  B.  Bradlee 
Tristram  Barnard  - 
William  Parsons  - 
Moses  Randall  -  - 
Levi  Haskell  -  - 
Samuel  A.  Wells  - 
John  Osborn  -  - 
Benj'i.  Rich  -  -  - 
Benj".  Whitman  - 
John  Dyer  -  -  - 
David  Sears  -  - 
Amos  Binney  -  - 
John  Fitch  -  -  - 
John  Kuhn  -  -  - 
William  Eustis  -  - 
Theo.  Bainbi'idge  - 
Joseph  Jenkins 
John  C.  Hicks  -  - 
Abraham  H.  Quincy 


Attested  Copies  of  return  of  Persons  Voted  for  as  Governor, 
Lieut.  Governor  Councillors  &  Senators  for  the  District  of 
Suffolk,  were  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting  (after  the  Vote 
had  been  declared)  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Commonwealth,  as  prescribed  by  law  and  directed  as  follows  viz. 

To  Alden  Bradford  Esq"^.  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts. 

Votes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  for  Governor  and  Lieut.  Gov- 
ernor, sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting. 

Also  for  Six  Councillors  &  Senators  for  the  District  of  Suffolk 
directed  in  the  same  manner. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[197.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  of  twenty  one  years  of  age  and  upwards  qualified  as  the 
Constitution  prescribes  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Thursday  the  13"^ 
day  of  May  A.D.  1819.     10  OClock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  Rev*^.  M"^.  Pierpont. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1819. 


117 


Paragraphs  of  the  Constitutiou  relative  to  the  Choice  of  Repre- 
sentatives read ;  also  a  law  of  the  Commonwealth  relating  to  the 
qualifications  of  voters,  on  taking  the  question  of  number  of 
representatives  to  be  elected,  was  read. 

By  a  Return  from  the  Assessors  it  appeared  that  there  were 
eleven  thousand  one  hundred  and  ninety  seven  rateable  Polls 
within  the  Town,  which  number  authorized  the  Election  of  Fifty 
Representatives. 

A  Motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that  the  Town  should  elect 
Forty  five  representatives  for  the  year  ensuing  which  (after  an 
animated  debate)  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

The  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  requested  the  Inhabitants  to 
withdraw  &  bring  in  their  votes,  for  Representatives  not  exceed- 
ing forty  five,  &  informed  them  that  the  Poll  would  be  closed  at 
half  past  2  Oclock. 

[198.]  The  votes  were  received,  sorted  and  counted  by  the 
Selectmen ;  when  it  appeared  that  the  whole  number  of  votes 
given  in  was  2799  ;  necessary  to  make  a  choice  1400.  The  fol- 
lowing Forty  five  Gentlemen  had  the  number  of  Votes  set  against 
their  respective  names  and  were  declared  to  be  elected  Represen- 
tatives for  the  year  ensuing,  viz. 


Mess.  Wilham  Sullivan  -  1888 
Benjamin  Russell  -  1875 
Benjamin  Whitman  1882 
Israel  Thorndike  -  1855 
Charles  Davis  -  -  1888 
Joseph  Coolidge  Jr  1889 
Daniel  Messenger  -  1887 
Jonathan  Whitney  1887 
Barzilla  Holmes  -  1888 
Peter  O  Thatcher  -  1882 
William  Sturgis  -  1885 
Josiah  Marshall  -  1888 
John  French  -  -  1886 
Jonathan  Loring  -  1887 
Joseph  W.  Revere  1888 
Benjamin  Smith  -  1885 
Benjamin  Rand  -  1885 
Francis  Bassett  -  1886 
John  Cotter  -  -  1848 
Enoch  Silsby  -  -  1888 
Peter  C.  Brooks  -  1887 
George  Bond    -     -  1884 


Mess.  James  Perkins  -  1888 

[199]  Bryant  P.  Tilden  1885 

Nathan  Hall-     -  -  1887 

Thomas  Motley-  -  1887 

Samuel  Dorr      -  -  1888 

Joseph  Lovering  -  1887 

Augustus  Peabody-  1885 

John  Knapp-     -  -  1878 

Joseph  Sewall    -  -  1887 

George  W.  Otis  -  1886 

Henry  Purkitt    -  -  1886 

Phineas  Upham  -  -  1873 

Jonathan  Phillips  -  1887 

Samuel  Appleton  -  1885 

Thomas  Jackson  -  1885 

Edmund  Winchester  1886 

Heman  Lincoln  -  -  1887 

Francis  Welch  -  -  1882 

Thomas  Parsons  -  1873 

Joseph  Austin    -  -  1887 

Elijah  Morse      -  -  1876 

William  Jackson  -  1879 


Benjamin  Watson   -  1876 


118  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  following  gentlemen  had  the  Number  of  Votes  set  against 
their  names,  viz.  — 

Mess.  John  Brazier  -     -     -  879      Mess.  Winslow  Lewis  -     -  881 
Joseph  W.  Howe     -  882  Samuel  A.  Wells     -  879 

Edmund  Wright  -     -  881  George  Hallet     -     -  882 

WilKam  B.  Bradford    880  Charles  Hood      -     -  881 

Samuel  Billings  -     -  883  David  Henshaw  -     -  879 

Joseph  Stodder  -     -  878  James  Lloyd       -     -     25 

[300.]   Thaddeus  Page  -  881 

William  Mackay  -  -  -  7  Nath^.  Curtis  -  -  -  -  3 
J,  C.  Merrill  -  -  -  -  3  William  Gray  -  -  -  -  2 
Samuel  Brown  -  -  -  -  2  James  T.  Austin  -  -  -  2 
Eben^".  Clough  -  -  -  -  2  Jeremiah  Fitch  -  -  -  -  2 
Benjamin  Austin  -  -  -  2  and  Elijah  Withington,  Henry 
Orne,  Nathaniel  Wright,  Jon°  D.  Howard  Jr.  James  H.  Foster, 
James  Ellison,  Sam^  Whitwell,  Samuel  Swett,  John  Tyler, 
William  Eustis,  H.  Dearborn,  P.  P.  F.  Degrand,  The°.  Bain- 
bridge,  Israel  Munroe,  Zack.  G.  Whitman,  James  Russell,  John 
Fox,  Perez  Bryant,  John  Hathaway,  Henry  H.  Tuckerman, 
Thomas  Brewer,  James  Davis,  H.  S.  Waldo,  Thomas  Badger, 
Tho^.  K.  Thomas,  Harvey  Bates,  Samuel  Adams,  Thomas  Eowe, 
S.  Gardner,  Jonathan  Emery  Jr.  Francis  C.  Gray,  Joseph  Lewis, 
Isaac  Stevens,  A.  Young,  Job  Drew,  Dan^  Wise,  Tho*.  Sawyer, 
one  each.  Declaration  of  the  State  of  the  Votes  being  made, 
The  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[301.]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  3P*.  day  of  May 
A.D.  1819  —  10  O'clock  A.M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Stephen  Codman  Esq',  was  chosen 
—  Moderator.  — 

The  Committee  appointed  by  a  Vote  of  the  Town  on  the  8*** 
day  of  March  last,  ' '  to  audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Town  Treas- 
urer, and  to  report  the  sum  necessary  to  be  raised  for  the  ser^dces 
of  the  present  year "  have  attended  that  service  and  make  the 
following  Report. 

That  they  have  very  particularly  and  minutely  examined  the 
Town  Treasurers  Accounts  for  all  the  Monies  received  and  paid 
by  him  during  the  past  year,  that  they  find  them  right  cast,  and 
well  vouched  and  there  appears  a  balance  due  to  the  Town,  in  the 
hands  of  the  Treasurer  of  $i897S.j\%  dollars  as  p^  the  Account 
herewith  submitted  up  to  the  lO''^  day  of  May  instant. 

The  Committee  refer  the  Town  to  the  Report  and  estimates  of 
the  Standing  committee  of  finance  for  the  sum  necessary  to  be 


Boston  Town  Records,  1819.  119 

raised  for  the  services  of  the  ensuing  year  which  estimate  meets 
the  concurrence  and  approbation  of  this  Committee. 

[303.]  The  Committee  embrace  the  present  occasion  to  bear 
their  testimony  to  the  unexampled  diligence  and  successful  exer- 
tions of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq^'.  the  present  Treasurer  &  col- 
lector in  collecting  so  large  a  proportion  of  the  Taxes  assessed 
the  last  year  as  well  as  of  the  back  taxes  which  were  due  before 
his  entrance  into  office  by  which  means  the  Town  has  saved  a 
very  considerable  Sum,  which  but  for  his  extraordinary  exertions 
and  abilities  would  have  been  lost. 

Respectfully  Submitted 

Stephen  Codman  )  ^ 

Tj^        •    T   /-»!•        ^Committee. 

i  rancis  J.  Oliver  j 

Boston  May  IV^.  1819. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  accepted  May  1819. 

Seventh  Annual  report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  of  the 
Town  of  Boston. 

The  Committee  of  Finance  of  the  Town  of  Boston  consisting 
of  the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor  and  the  Board  of 
Health,  have  attended  to  the  Duty  assigned  to  them  by  the  Town, 
have  examined  the  Books  of  the  Treasurer  and  Collector  and  are 
satisfied  with  the  accuracy  of  his  Accounts,  They  present  the 
following  Report 

[303.]  The  Amount  of  Taxes  assessed  in  1818  given  to  the 
Collector  &  Treasurer  —  were 

for  State  Tax $21,965  33 

"   Town  &  County  Tax 150,623  97 


72,589  30 


Amount  received  by  the  Treasurer  from  October 

^  1818  to  May  8*^^  1819 162,512  59 

Amount  of  Abatements 5,35027 

Balance  remaining  uncollected 4,726  44 


L72,589  30 


From  which  it  appears  that  the  whole  Tax  has  been  paid  or 
settled  in  seven  Months,  excepting  about  5,000  Dollars,  from 
which  the  treasurer  estimates  nearly  1500  dollars  may  be  col- 
lected ;  your  Committee  are  again  compelled  to  express  their 
opinion  that  this  promptness  is  honorable  to  the  Treasurer  and  to 
the  Inhabitants. 

By  the  Town  Treasurer's  account  it  appears  that  there  is  a 
balance  of  Forty  three  thousand,  nine  hundred  and  seventy  three 


120 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Dollars,    69    Cents  in  tlie  Treasury,  Statement  as  follows.  The 
Account  is  on  file. 

Town  of  Boston D''. 

Due  on  State  Tax  of  1818-     -     - 


1819.  May 


[*^04.] 
1819.  May 


County  of  Suffolk    -     -     -     - 

Note  Due  to  E.  B.  -     -     -     - 

Selectmen    of    Boston    for    M'^^ 

Brackers  &  other  Donations    - 

Boylston    Donation    appropriated 

for  Building  School  Houses 
On  Selectmen  &  Overseers  Drafts 
Unliquidated  Accounts       .     .     . 
Balance  in  favor  of  the  Town 


10,000  00 
8,000  00 
6,000  00 

1,230  00 

8,691  33 

3,717  43 

14,000  00 

14,273   18 


i,911   94 


Town  of  Boston C^ 

By  W.  N.  Boylstons  Bond  -     -     -     -  15,000  00 

"  J.  Tidd  J»'s  Notes 1,890  00 

"  John  Hancocks 930  00 

"  Rea  &  Wrights 700  00 

"  Joseph  Eowe   - 535  50 

"  Uriah  Cottings 516  00 

"  William  Tukesbury 371   55 

"  William  Witmore 235  00 

"  Abraham  Moore 124  00 

*'  Jabez  Hunting 90  00 

"  Isaac  Rand  J"- 46  20 

"  Uncollected  Taxes 1,500  00 

"  Cash  in  the  Treasury      -     -     -     -  43,973   69 


$65,911  94 


The  balance  of  the  Account  current  last  year 
was  against  the  Town 12,705  44 

The  above  Statement  shows  it  to  be  at  present  in 
favor  of  the  Town 14,273  18 

The  Demands  on  the  Town  being  as  before 
stated 51,638  76 

Add  thereto  for  current  expenses  of  the  year  as 
follows 

For  Selectmens  Department       -     -     -     -        79,000  00 

"    Overseers  of  the  Poor 30,000  00 

"    Board  of  Health 7,000  00 


8,000 

00 

22,000 

00 

16,000 

00 

$213,638 

76 

$43,973 

69 

3,180 

00 

16,000 

00 

1,500 

00 

22,000 

00 

16,000 

00 

110,985 

07 

$213,638 

76 

Boston  Town  Records,  1819.  121 


For  Committee  for  providing  schools  for 
Children  under  7  years  of  age  -     - 

"    Amount  of  State  Tax 

"        D°.  of  County  of  Suffolk     -     -     - 


[305.]     To  be  provided  for  as  follows 

From  Money  in  the  Treasury     -     -     -  - 

Notes  payable  this  year  -     -     -  - 
Rents  of  Market,  Town  House  &c. 

Taxes  Receivable  outstanding   -  - 

Amount  State  Tax  assessed       -  - 

Ditto  of  County  D''.     D°.     -     -  - 

Ditto  of  Town     D°.     D°.    -     -  - 


The  Committee  recommend  that  the  Town  should  vote  a  tax  of 
111,000  Dollars  which  will  defray  the  current  expenses  of  the 
year. 

Respectfully  Submitted 

By  Order  of  the  Committee  of  Finance 
Turner  Phillips,  Chairman. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  accepted  by  the  Town, 
and 

Voted  That  the  Sum  of  One  hundred  &  eleven  thousand 
Dollars  be  raised  by  a  Tax  to  be  assessed  upon  the  Polls  and 
Estates  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  to  defray  the  expenses 
of  the  town  the  present  year. 

William  Dall  Thomas  Dawes 

Joshua  Davis  Barzillai  Holmes,  and 

Peter  O.  Thatcher  [306]  George  Bond  Esq'^ 

were  chosen  Trustees  of  Neck  Lands. 

Bryant  P.  Tilden  Geo.  W.  Otis 

Winslow  Lewis  John  Howe 

Amos  Binney  Joseph  Jones 

Enoch  Silsby  William  Howe 

Isaac  Harris  Jonathan  Whitney  & 

Jeremiah  Fitch  Esq^"^. 
were  chosen  Fire  Wards,  agreeably  to  a  vote  of   the  Town  in 
March  last,  to  increase  the  number  of  Fire  Wards  &  to  supply 
vacancies  occasioned  by  the  resignation  of  five  G-entlemen  who 
were  Chosen  at  that  Meeting. 


122  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  John  Winslow, 
Benjamin  Rich,  Gedney  King,  Francis  J.  Oliver  &  AVilliam 
Harris  Esq^■^  for  their  faithful  services  as  Fire  Wards  for  many 
years  past. 

Rev'd  John  Pierpont  was  chosen  one  of  the  School  Committee, 
in  place  of  Beaj".  [307]  West  Esq'^'  who  has  declined  serving 
on  that  Committee. 

Oliver  Greary  was  chosen  a  Hogreeve  and  Hayward.  , 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  report  of  the  Board 
of  Health  for  the  Town  of  Boston,  detailing  the  plan  of  a  Burial 
ground  which  they  propose  to  locate  on  the  land  now  owned  by 
the  Town  at  South  Boston,  and  which  they  intend  to  call  the 
"  Boston  Cemetery  "  have  attended  to  the  duty  Assigned  them, 
&  beg  leave  respectfully  to  report. 

That  on  an  examination  of  the  Aforesaid  report  they  find,  that 
the  principal  subjects  of  it  are  not  under  the  control  of  the  Town, 
but  the  execution  of  which  are  delegated  solely  to  that  Board. 
By  a  law  of  this  Commonwealth  the  Board  of  Health  is  fully 
invested  with  the  requisite  authority  to  carry  their  propos'd  plan 
into  operation,  so  far  as  it  is  practicable  upon  the  land  owned 
by  the  Town  at  South  Boston,  and  appropriated  for  the  interment 
of  the  dead  :  But  that  Board  conceive  that  the  land  so  appropri- 
ated is  not  of  sufficient  extent  to  admit  of  all  the  improvements 
and  advantages,  which  are  set  forth  in  their  report,  they  conse- 
quently thereon  recommend  the  expediency  of  purchasing  an  addi- 
tional extent  [308]  of  seventy  thousand  square  feet  of  ground, 
adjoining  that  now  owned  by  the  Town. 

This  being  the  only  branch  of  the  report  on  which  the  Town 
has  the  power  to  act,  the  Committee  have  confined  themselves 
to  the  consideration  of  the  expediency  of  purchasing  tlie  land 
designated  by  the  board  of  Health  for  the  purposes  specified  in 
their  report. 

After  a  view  of  the  premises,  and  a  mature  consideration  of  all 
the  circumstances  connected  with  the  subject,  the  Committee  were 
of  opinion  that  the  local  position  of  the  ground  is  not  well  chosen 
for  the  contemplated  object ;  that  its  distance  from  the  Center 
of  the  old  Town  is  so  great,  that  the  burial  of  the  dead  would  be 
attended  with  augmented  inconveniences,  and  an  increase  of 
expense  to  the  inhabitants  generally,  but  more  particularly  to 
those  of  the  northern  sections  of  it ;  that  during  the  inclement 
seasons  of  the  year,  it  would  at  times  be  utterly  impracticable 
to  proceed  to  that  situation  for  the  intended  purposes ;  which  in 
the  opinion  of  the  Committee,  are  insuperable  objections  against 
the  situation  of  that  site  as  a  place  for  the  interment  of  the  dead 
from  the  Town  of  Boston. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1819.  123 

They  therefore  were  unanimously  of  opinion  that  it  is  inexpe- 
dient for  the  town  to  purchase  the  additional  number  of  square 
feet  of  [309]  ground  recommended  by  the  board  of  Health  for 
the  purposes  stated  in  their  report  on  this  subject. 

But  the  Committee  having  been  informed  by  the  President  of 
the  Board  of  Health  that  if  the  Town  refused  to  purchase  the 
land  as  recommended,  that  agreeably  to  the  power  with  which  the 
Board  are  by  law  invested,  it  is  their  intention  to  carry  their  plan 
into  effect  upon  the  ground  owned  by  the  Town  at  South  Boston 
and  located  for  a  Burial  G-round,  by  which  procedure  the  inhabi- 
tants will  be  subjected  to  all  the  inconveniences  that  have  already 
been  stated. 

To  obviate,  therefore,  the  difficulties  and  disadvantages  pre- 
viously enumerated  by  having  the  burial  Ground  at  so  great  a 
distance  from  the  Center  of  the  old  Town,  and  in  order  that 
the  plan  of  this  Board  of  Health  may  be  executed  upon  a  field  of 
sufficiently  large  [area]  to  secure  all  its  proposed  advantages,  &  as 
the  Committee  considered  the  expense  of  the  land  to  be  of  no  com- 
parative consequence  to  that  which  the  Board  of  Health  intend 
to  expend  in  its  execution ;  they  deem  it  their  duty  for  these 
reasons  to  recommend  to  the  Town  the  expediency  of  purchasing 
three  &  an  half  acres  of  Land  at  South  Boston  for  the  purpose  of 
locating  a  new  Cemetery  for  the  Town  upon  the  plan  stated 
[310]  in  the  aforesaid  report  of  the  Board  of  Health,  Provided 
it  can  be  procured  for  that  purpose  within  one  fourth  of  a  mile  of 
the  eastern  extremity  of  South  Boston  Bridge,  so  called :  and 
they  further  recommend,  should  the  Town  accept  this  part  of 
their  report,  the  appointment  of  a  Committee  to  purchase  said 
land  for  the  Town  on  the  best  possible  terms. 

Benj".  Russell  p''.  Order. 
Boston  May  31.  1819. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read,  and  so  far  accepted  as  that 
it  was  voted.  That, 

Thomas  Badger 

Samuel  A.  Wells  and 

Henry  Bass  Esquires, 
be  a  Committee,  to  ascertain  at  what  rate  (per  acre)  land  can  be 
purchased  for,  suitable  for  a  Burial  Ground  at  South  Boston, 
and  report  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  meeting. 

A  Communication  from  the  Justices  of  the  Court  of  Sessions, 
on  the  subject  of  erecting  anew  Prison,  was  read. 

Whereupon  it  was  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to 
Co-operate  with  the  Court  in  that  undertaking.  — 

[311.]  The  following  Report  was  read,  accepted,  ordered  to 
be  printed,  and  distributed  for  the  information  of  the  Inhabitants. 


124  City  Document  No.  128. 

Report, 

Pursuant  to  a  vote  of  the  Town  on  the  11*^  day  of  June  last, 
the  School  Committee  soon  after  nominated  and  appointed  three 
Gentlemen  in  each  ward  ' '  To  provide  instruction  for  children 
between  four  and  seven  years  of  age,  and  apportion  the  expenses 
among  the  several  Schools." — Of  these  gentlemen  all  but  two 
accepted  and  have  served.  — The  Board  was  organized  on  the  23*^ 
day  of  June  by  choosing  Thomas  L.  Winthrop  Esq.,  Chairman, 
and  James  Savage  Esq.  Secretary. — 

On  the  2*^.  day  of  July  the  board  resolved,  that  the  Committee  of 
each  ward  "  ascertain  by  personal  inquiry,  the  number  of  Children 
between  the  ages  of  four  &  seven,  state  who  do  and  who  do  not 
attend  any  school,  as  also  those,  whose  parents  are  desirous  of 
availing  themselves  of  this  right,  and  report  the  names  and  place 
of  residence." — This  was  a  very  arduous  duty,  and  the  result  of 
the  inquiry  was  highly  interesting  to  the  board. 

The  number  between  four  and  seven  years  old,  exclusive  of 
about  half  of  Ward  N°.  7.  from  which  the  Committee  made  no 
return,  amounted  to  two  thousand  eight  hundred  &  forty  three. — 
Of  these,  though  five  hundred  and  thirty  two  only  did  not  attend 
any  school,  thirteen  hundred  and  thirty  were  desirous  of  instruc- 
tion at  the  new  schools. — The  number  who  attended  no  school  was 
nearly  double  that  of  the  return  made  the  preceding  year,  but  not 
larger  than  was  expected  to  be  found. —  a  comparison  of  the 
result,  in  each  year,  from  all  the  Wards  will  assist  us  in  judging 
of  their  correctness.  — 


Vards 

- 

- 

- 

1817 

- 

- 

-  1818 

N«.  1 

- 

- 

- 

bl 

- 

- 

-       46 

2 

- 

- 

- 

52 

- 

- 

-   86 

3 

- 

- 

_ 

26 

- 

- 

-   45 

4 

- 

- 

- 

9 

- 

- 

-   14 

5 

- 

- 

- 

8 

- 

- 

-   20 

6 

- 

- 

- 

20 

- 

- 

-   37 

7 

- 

- 

- 

7 

- 

- 

-   34 

8 

- 

- 

- 

6 

- 

- 

-   29 

9 

- 

- 

- 

13 

- 

- 

72 

10 

- 

- 

- 

6 

- 

- 

2 

11 

- 

. 

- 

23 

- 

- 

-   46 

12 

- 

- 

- 

56 

- 

- 

-  101 

Total  283 

532 

To  provide  instruction  for  that  number  the  grant  of  money  by 
the  town  was  very  liberal,  and  was  indeed  considered  by  the 
favourers  of  the  experiment  adequate  to  furnish  schooling  for 
seven  or  eight  hundred  children.  — 

But    when   we  ascertained,  that   above  thirteen  hundred   would 
demand  the  care  of  the  board,  it  became  a  matter  of  great  diffi- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1819.  125 

culty  to  divide  the  sum  granted  in  such  a  way  as  to  approach 
nearest  to  a  fulfilment  of  the  vote  of  the  town,  with  which  a  per- 
fect compliance  seemed  utterly  impracticable.  We  could  not 
satisfactorily  arrange  this  difficulty  before  the  20"\  of  July. 

As  the  pupils  were  of  such  tender  age,  they  could  not  be 
required  to  go  far  from  home ;  and  schools  must  therefore  be 
opened  in  sections  of  the  Wards.  — To  insure  health  and  improve- 
ment their  number  in  each  [213]  school  should  be  small;  and 
to  such  an  instructor  as  alone  ought  to  be  employed,  the  compen- 
sation could  hardly  fall  short  of  two  hundred  dollars. — Rent, 
fuel,  benches  and  other  incidental  charges  might  have  reasonably 
been  expected  to  exceed  fifty  dollars  for  each.  But  the  Board 
were  resolved  to  open  twenty  Schools,  and  we  were  of  necessity 
stinted  to  that  amount.  —  It  was  generally  agreed  by  us,  that 
the  children  in  one  school  should  not  exceed  forty  five,  and  be 
confined  if  practicable,  to  forty.  The  money  was  divided  by 
vote  among  the  several  Committees  from  the  Wards,  and  schools 
were  opened  exclusively  for  such  free  scholars  as  the  Committees 
received  in  every  Ward  but  two.  These  two  Wards  were  unit- 
edly allowed  from  our  fund  enough  to  maintain  two  schools,  or 
one  tenth  of  the  whole ; — but  it  seemed  expedient  to  the  Commit- 
tee of  that  united  District  to  agree  with  mistresses,  having 
already  established  schools,  to  receive  from  the  Committee  an 
addition  of  pupils  at  a  stated  rate  for  each.  Five  teachers  have 
been  by  them  employed  in  this  manner.  The  rate  of  ten  cents 
per  week,  with  allowance  of  two  dollars  for  winter's  fuel,  for 
each  child,  making  seven  dollars  &  twenty  cents  a  year,  is  now 
found  to  be  much  higher  than  that  which  the  instruction  in  other 
Wards  demanded,  where  the  expense  of  each  pupil  has  fallen 
short  of  five  dollars. 

Most  of  the  Schools  were  opened  [314]  in  August,  and  all 
by  the  first  week  in  September  &  all  have  continued  without  inter- 
ruption. — 

The  calculations,  even  of  such  citizens  as  were  most  solicitous 
for  the  establishment  of  these  schools,  have  all  estimated  too  low 
the  number  of  children  for  whom  we  find  it  necessary  to  provide 
instruction. — 

Though  a  large  portion,  probably  half  of  our  people,  would 
prefer  to  pay  teachers  of  their  own  private  selection  for  instruct- 
ing their  children  of  such  an  age,  and  though  the  never  tiring 
benevolence  of  many  has  provided  schools  for  several  hundred 
others,  yet  in  every  instance  the  schools  opened  by  the  board  have 
been  filled  beyond  the  limit  we  desired  to  prescribe.  —  We  should 
however  observe,  that  several  of  the  instructors,  having  daughters 
of  age  to  afford  assistance  to  their  mothers,  the  Committees  have 
been  satisfied  with  permitting  sixty,  and  in  one  instance  seventy, 
in  another  eighty  pupils  in  one  school.  In  only  two  of  those 
eighteen  schools  provided  solely  for  the  free  instruction  has  the 
number  been  smaller  than  fifty,  and  on  the  second  week  of  March, 
when  our  instructors  returned  all  under  their  tuition,  the  amount 
was  eleven  hundred  and  eighteen.  — 


126  City  Document  No.   128. 

Large  as  this  number  will  appear,  the  board  are  satisfied,  that  a 
considerable  addition  should  the  current  year  be  provided  for ; 
and  from  computation  carefully  made  we  conceive  thirty  two 
schools  for  such  children  will  be  needed. 

[315.]  At  two  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  each,  a  grant  of 
eight  thousand  dollars  would  be  requisite. 

Two  considerations,  among  several  others  more  apparent, 
powerfully  operate  to  produce,  in  the  minds  of  the  gentlemen  of 
the  board  the  year  past,  a  conviction  of  the  importance  and 
necessity  of  this  system  of  free  schools  for  young  children, 
which  they  wish  to  submit  to  the  consideration  of  their  fellow 
citizens.  —  The  first  is,  that  our  schools  have  been  constantly 
pressed  to  admit  a  number  of  children  in  every  part  of  the  town 
above  seven  years  old,  who,  having  been  unable  to  acquire  a 
little  acquaintance  with  English  reading  or  even  the  letters  of 
our  alphabet,  are  excluded  from  the  public  schools.  This  griev- 
ance we  could  not  remedy ;  but  if  the  new  Schools  for  children 
of  younger  age  be  continued,  the  evil  will  in  a  great  measure 
soon  be  removed.  —  The  second  is,  that  very  many  children, 
whose  parents  are  able  in  summer  to  alTord  them  schooling  at 
nine  pence  or  a  shilling  per  week,  are  deprived,  in  winter,  (when 
fire  money  is  asked  by  the  instructors  which  the  parents  cannot 
easily  pay)  of  all  teaching,  and  so  lose  at  that  season  all  their 
former  acquisition  in  letters.  —  Three  private  schools  in  one 
"Ward,  where  the  mistresses  had  twelve  scholars  each,  have  been 
by  this  defect,  reduced,  one  to  nine  &  the  other  two  to  six  pupils 
each.  —  But  the  children  for  whom  we  have  been  required  to  pro- 
vide instruction  have  attended  with  remarkable  punctuality,  nor 
less  in  winter  than  in  summer.  ■ — 

[216.]  The  result  of  our  experiment  has  certainly  been  en- 
couraging, and  we  confidently  state  that  the  improvement  in  all 
our  schools  has  been  far  superior  to  our  expectations.  We  found 
many  parents,  on  our  first  inquiry,  indifferent  about  sending  their 
children  to  these  schools,  though  they  regularly  attended  no  other. 
Perhaps  mistaking  the  establishment  for  a  charitable  one,  their 
pride  revolted  from  acknowledging  that  they  needed  assistance, 
yet  since  the  operation  has  proceeded,  they  have  almost  invari- 
ably desired  admission  for  them.  Of  the  children  received,  one 
half  in  some  parts  of  the  town,  and  one  third  in  general  were 
ignorant  of  their  letters,  of  whom  many  can  now  read  in  the  New 
Testament,  and  several  from  each  school  are  prepared  for  admis- 
sion at  the  town  grainmar  schools  who  must  have  been,  we  are 
confident,  otherwise  rejected. 

In  most  of  our  schools  the  girls  have  been  taught  knitting  or 
sewing  as  well  as  reading.  The  several  Committees  are  by  a 
regulation  of  the  board  required  once  a  month  at  least  to  visit 
the  schools  under  their  particular  care,  and  a  return  of  the  state 
of  each  is  demanded  at  our  quarterly  meetings. 
All  which  is  submitted. 

Elisha  Ticknor,  Benj.  Austin,  Tho.  B.  Wait,  Nathan  Webb,  Tho. 
Baldwin,  Henry  Ware,  J.  Savage.  — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1819.  127 

[317.]  Voted,  That  the  School  Committee  be  requested,  to 
take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  making  any  alteration 
in  the  Salaries  of  the  Public  School  Masters,  and  report  the 
result  of  their  deliberations  to  the  town  at  their  next  meeting. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  of  Finance  be  requested  to  take  into 
consideration  and  Report,  the  salary  which  ought  to  be  allowed 
the  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector  for  the  ensuing  year. 

Letters  were  read  from  James  Prince  &  Isaac  Winslow 
Esquires,  by  which  it  appeared,  that  the  Committee  chosen  by 
the  Town  in  March  last  "  to  examine  the  Report  of  receipts  and 
expenditures  made  by  the  Committee  of  Finance  in  order  to 
ascertain  whether  any  savings  or  retrenchments  may  be  made  in 
the  public  expenses ' '  —  had  declined  the  appointment.  — 

The  article  in  the  Warrant  "  to  consider  whether  the  town  will 
increase  the  pay,  which  has  been  hitherto  allowed  to  the  Watch- 
men of  the  Town  by  the  Selectmen."  was  taken  up  and  after  a 
short  debate  —  it  was  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  directed  to 
pay  to  each  and  every  one  of  the  men  now  employed,  or  who 
may  be  hereafter  employed  as  Watchmen  of  the  Town,  the  sum  ef 
twenty-five  cents  a  night  in  addition  to  what  they  now  receive  for 
their  services.  — 

A  motion  was  made  to  reconsider  the  vote  —  forty  six  voting 
in  the  affirmative  &  upwards  of  sixty  in  the  negative ;  the  motion 
was  lost.  — 

Adjourned  to  Monday  21^*^  June  next —  10  o'clk  A.M. 


[318.]  At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  14"^  day  of 
June,  A.D.  1819  —  10  O'Clock  A.M. 

Benjamin  Russell  Esq. 
was  chosen  Moderator. 

This  Meeting  was  called,  "  To  consider  whether  the  Town  will 
adopt  any  measures  relative  to  the  Petition  of  David  Greenough 
and  others,  now  pending  before  the  Hon.  General  Court  for  an 
act  to  incorporate  them  by  the  name  of  the  Dock  Square  Cor- 
poration, and  authorize  them  to  erect  buildings  for  any  purpose 
which  they  may  think  expedient  in  the  vicinity  of  Dock  Square 
and  the  Market,  which  subject  is  to  be  acted  on  by  the  Hon. 
Legislature  on  Wednesday  the  16"\  instant."  — 

The  Petition  of  David  Greenough  &  others  to  the  Legislature, 
with  the  order  of  notice  thereon,  from  the  Hon''^®.  General  Court 
to  the  Town  being  read.  — The  subject  was  taken  up,  considered. 


128  City  Documemt  No.  128. 

and  after  a  short  debate,  the  following  votes  were  (nearly)  unani- 
mously passed  by  the  Town.  — viz. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Boston  be,  and  they 
hereby  are  requested  [219]  to  represent  to  the  Legislature,  that 
the  Petition  of  David  Greenough  &  Thomas  Motley,  is  injurious 
to  the  general  interest  of  the  Town,  and  pray  that  the  petitioners 
have  leave  to  withdraw  their  petition. 

Voted,  That  the  rights  and  interests  of  the  Town  would  be  inju- 
riously affected  by  the  erection  of  any  new  Market  in  the  vicinity 
of  the  old  Market  near  Faneuil  Hall  by  any  individual  citizens 
and  for  their  private  benefit ;  and  that  the  Selectmen  be  a  Com- 
mittee, to  represent  a  suitable  remonstrance  to  the  Legislature  of 
this  Commonwealth  against  the  Petition  of  Mess'^^  David  Green- 
ough and  Thomas  Motley,  which  is  now  pending  before  that  Hon- 
orable Body  ;  And  in  their  remonstrance  to  pray,  that  in  any  act 
of  incorporation,  which  may  be  granted  to  said  Greenough  & 
Motley  upon  their  petition,  or  upon  any  other  petition  which  may 
at  any  time  hereafter  be  presented  to  them  by  said  Greenough  & 
Motley,  or  by  any  other  persons  on  this  subject,  a  restrictive 
clause  may  be  inserted  so  as  effectually  to  protect  the  rights  and 
interests  of  the  town  from  injury  in  this  respect.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Senators  of  the  County  of  Suffolk,  and  the 
Representatives  of  this  town  in  the  General  Court  be  requested,  to 
oppose  the  grant  of  any  [330]  act  of  incorporation  to  Meas""^. 
Greenough  &  Motley,  which  shall  not  contain  a  restriction  upon 
them  and  their  associates  against  erecting  any  new  market  in  the 
vicinity  of  the  old  market  near  Faneuil  Hall,  or  any  other  build- 
ing, which  may  be  contrary  to  law. 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Benjamin 
Russell  Esq.  for  his  services  as  Moderator  of  this  Meeting.  — 

Then  the  Meeting  was 
Dissolved. 


[331.]  Monday  June  2P'.  1819  .— 

Met  according  to  Adjournment  from  the  Sl^''.  ultimo. 

Samuel  Adams  Wells  Esq. 
was  chosen  a  Fire  Ward,   in   place  of   John    Howe  Esq.   who 
declined  serving  in  that  office. 

M"".  Levi  Sherman,  was  chosen  a  Hogreeve  &  Hayward  for  the 
year  ensuing. 


Boston  Town  Recokds,  1819.  129 

The  following  Report  was  made  by  the  School  Committee.  — 
viz. — 

The  School  Committee  of  the  Town  of  Boston  have  attended 
to  the  subject,  which  was  referred  to  them  by  the  vote  of  the 
inhabitants  on  the  31®'  day  of  May,  and  respectfully  Report. 

That  in  the  year  1816,  the  Salaries  of  the  reading  &  writing 
Masters,  which  prior  to  that  time  had  been  eight  hundred  dollars 
per  annum  were  raised  to  one  thousand  —  And  in  consequence  of 
the  high  price  of  the  necessaries  of  life,  a  grant  was  made  them 
of  two  hundred  dollars  which  has  been  annually  renewed  to  the 
present  time. — 

The  Committee  have  had  no  reason  [323]  to  suppose,  that 
this  was  insufficient  for  their  comfortable  support,  and  they  have 
the   satisfaction   to   believe,    that   the    Schools   in   general,    are 
flourishing  under  the  care  of  able   &   faithful  teachers. — With 
respect  to  the  Salary  of  the  principal  Master  of  the  Latin  gram- 
mar School,  The  Committee  ask  leave  to  observe,  that  it  was  fixed 
after  much  deliberation,  and  with  a  due  regard  to  the  qualifications, 
which   the   Master  of   that    School  ought  to  possess. —  It  was 
found  impracticable  without  increasing  the   Salary,  to  induce  a 
young  gentleman  of  talents  and  scholarship,  to  forego  the  pros- 
pects which  the  learned  professions  opened  to  him,  &  to  devote 
himself  to  the  care  of  this  School  with  the  reputation  of  which 
his  fame  and  his  hopes  in  life  should  be  identified. —  The  present 
Master  having  filled  the  office  to  the  entire  satisfaction  of  the 
public,  the  Committee  are  unanimously  of  opinion  that,  as   he 
accepted  the  office  after  the  Salary  was  raised,  it  ought  not  to  be 
reduced,  while  he  continues  to  merit  their  confidence  and  esteem. 
—  In  addition  to  the  Latin  &  greek  languages,  the  boys  at  the 
latin  School  are  now  taught  such  branches  of  the  Mathematics  & 
geography,  with  the  Elements  of  Geometry  &  algebra,   as  are 
requisite  for  admission  to  Harvard  College. —  In  consequence  of 
the  great  [333]  increase  of  the  number  of  pupils,  and  of  the 
particular  alteration  requisite  in  order  to  form  them  to  habits  of 
accuracy,  in  which  all  success  in  scholarship  depends  —  and  con- 
sidering too,  that  the  standard  of  qualifications  for  admission  to 
the   University  has  been   much   elevated,   the   Committee   have 
thought  it  necessary,  to  add  an  Assistant  master,  to  increase  the 
number  of  Ushers,  and  to  hold  out  inducements  to  them,  to  con- 
tinue in  the  School  for  the  term  of  three  years  at  least,  that  the 
inconveniences  arising  from  inexperienced  Instructors  might  be 
avoided. —  The  Committee  think  they  have  reason  to  congratulate 
the  town  on  the  flourishing  condition  of  this  School,  which  they 
believe  to  be  second  to  none  in  our  Country,  &  they  rely  on  the 
liberal  spirit  and  enlightened  views  of  the  Inhabitants,  who  have 
ever  been  attentive  to  the  education  of  the  rising  generation  and 


130  City  Document  No.  128. . 

to  the  best  interests  of  their  Country,  to  continue  to  afford  it 
their  protection  and  support. 

By  order  of  the  School  Committee, 

Turner  Phillips,  Chairman. 

The  foregoing  report  was  read  &  accepted.  — 

The  Committee  appointed  to  ascertain  the  price  of  land  for  a, 
Burial  Ground  at  South  Boston,  made  a  Report,  which  was  not 
accepted  ;  — The  subject  was  referred  to  the  Selectmen  and  Board 
of  Health,  with  full  powers  to  make  additions  to  the  present 
Burial  Grounds,  if  they  should  deem  it  necessary. 

[334.]  The  Committee  of  Finance  having  been  directed  by  a 
vote  of  the  Town  to  take  into  consideration  and  report  the  Salary 
which  shall  be  allowed  the  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector  for  the 
ensuing  year  have  attended  the  duty  assigned  them  and  Report.  — 
That  the  Treasurer  &  Collector  furnished  the  Committee  with 
a  statement  of  the  expense  of  his  office,  amounting  to  $1160.82 
on  examining  this  statement  some  of  the  Committee  were  of  opin- 
ion the  sum  charged  for  the  Clerks  Salary  too  high,  as  they 
doubted  not  5  or  600  dollars  would  command  the  services  of  a 
person  well  qualified  to  discharge  the  duties  of  that  office ;  in 
answer  to  this  it  was  said,  that  in  conversation  with  the  Treas- 
urer on  this  subject  he  had  observed  "if  the  Town  would  take 
the  responsibility  of  the  Clerks  conduct  he  was  perfectly  willing 
they  should  procure  one  at  the  lowest  rate,  but  if  he  was  to  be 
responsible  for  his  Clerks  fidelity  it  was  incumbent  on  him  to 
employ  one  in  whom  he  could  place  the  utmost  confidence,  and 
to  such  a  pei'son  he  must  give  more  than  a  common  Salary."  — 
It  appears  on  the  records  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  from  the 
first  appointment  of  the  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector  it  was  their 
desire  and  intention  he  should  receive  $2,000  p^.  annum  for  his 
services.  — And  the  Committee  were  now  unanimously  of  opinion 
that  for  [335]  the  able,  diligent  and  faithful  manner  in  which 
he  has  hitherto  discharged  the  duties  of  his  office,  and  which  they 
doubt  not  he  will  continue  to  do,  that  he  should  receive  that  sum 
for  the  ensuing  year,  —  they  therefore  recommend  that  the  town 
should  vote  the  sum  of  three  thousand  one  hundred  dollars  in  full 
for  the  Salary  of  the  town  Treasurer  and  Collector  for  the  ensuing 
year,  and  for  Clerk  hire,  expenses  of  office,  and  pay  of  his  dep- 
uties —  this  sum  at  the  Salaries  he  now  pays  will  not  produce 
$2,000  —  but  the  Committee  are  of  opinion  a  reduction  may  be 
made  in  the  Salaries  of  his  Clerk  or  deputies  as  will  reduce  the 
expense  of  his  office  to  $1,900.  — which  is  respectfully  submitted, 
By  order  of  the  Committee, 

Turner  Philhps,  Chairman. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  accepted  —  and  Voted, 
That  the  sum  of  three  thousand  one  hundred  dollars,  be  allowed 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1819,  131 

&  paid  unto  the  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector  for  the  ensuing  year, 
in  full  for  his  Salary,  for  Clerk  hire,  expenses  of  office  &  pay  of 
his  Deputies. 

Upon  the  representation  and  exhibition  of  the  doings  and 
proceedings  of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq.  Treasurer  &  Collector  of 
taxes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  the  last  year. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  of  Boston  highly  [336]  approve  of 
the  conduct  of  said  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq.  in  the  said  offices  of 
Treasurer  and  Collector,  and  that  he  has  faithfully  and  fully  as 
was  in  his  power  completed  the  execution  of  his  duty  in  said 
offices,  to  which  he  has  been  appointed  as  aforesaid,  and  that  he 
be  excused  from  all  delinquency  or  default  in  not  having  effected 
the  full  and  complete  settlement  of  the  taxes  by  him  to  have 
been  received  or  collected  according  to  law.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Treasurer  be  authorized  to  borrow  a 
sum  not  exceeding  Seventy  thousand  dollars,  if  the  same  should 
be  found  necessary  for  the  service  of  the  town. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  the  Hon.  Thomas 
Dawes  Esq.  the  sum  of  Seven  hundred  and  fifty  dollars  for  his 
Salary  as  Judge  of  the  Municipal  Court  the  present  year. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Thomas  Clark, 
Town  Clerk,  the  sum  of  One  thousand  dollars  as  his  Salary  the 
present  year. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  Treasury  of 
the  town  of  Boston,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  to  each  of 
the  [337]  permanent  Assessors  of  the  town  for  the  present  year. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded.  That  the  vote  of  the  Town 
passed  the  thirty  first  ultimo,  increasing  the  pay  of  the  Watch- 
men be  reconsidered  ;  —  and  that  the  subject  be  referred  to  the 
Selectmen  to  act  on  it  as  they  shall  think  proper.  —  The  question 
being  put  it  passed  in  the  affirmative.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  presented  to  Stephen 
Codman  Esq,  for  his  able  and  impartial  discharge  of  the  duties 
of  Moderator  of  this  Meeting.  — 

Then  the  Meeting  was 
Dissolved. 

Attest,  Tho'  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 


132  City  Document  No.  128. 

[338.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday 
the  5*'^.  day  of  July  A.D.  1819  —  10  O'clock  A.M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  read. 

Thomas  Clark,  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  last  year  to  make  choice  of  a 
Gentleman  to  dehver  an  Oration  on  the  Anniversary  of  Indepen- 
dence Reported,  That  they  had  chosen  Franklin  Dexter  Esq.  — 
who  had  accepted  the  appointment.  — 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  Old  South  Church  at  12  O'Clock  M. 

Met  according  to  Adjournment  at  the  Old  South  Church,  where 
an  Oration  was  delivei'ed  by  Franklin  Dexter  Esq.  to  commem- 
orate the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a 
Committee  to  wait  on  Franklin  Dexter  Esq.  in  the  name  of  the 
Town,  and  thank  him  for  the  elegant  &  spirited  Oration  this  day 
dehvered  by  him  at  the  request  of  the  town,  upon  the  anniver- 
sary of  American  Independence; — wherein  were  considered  the 
feelings,  manners  [339]  and  principles  which  produced  the 
great  national  event,  and  the  important  and  happy  effects  general 
&  domestic,  which  have  already,  or  will  forever  flow  from  that 
auspicious  epoch  ; —  and  to  request  of  him  a  copy  for  the  press. 

Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen  Selectmen  be,  and  hereby  are 
appointed  a  Committee  to  apply  to  some  able  and  learned 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  4"\  of  July  1820  — That 
day  being  the  Anniversary  of  the  Independence  of  the  United 
States  of  America;  —  wherein  the  Orator  is  to  consider  the 
feelings  manners  &  principles  which  led  to  this  great  National 
event,  as  well  as  the  important  and  happy  effects  which  have 
already  or  will  forever  flow  from  that  auspicious  Epoch. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[330.]  At  a  Convention  of  the  Boards  of  Selectmen,  Over- 
seers of  the  Poor  &  Board  of  Health,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on 
Wednesday  the  7"\  day  of  July  A.D.  1819.— 

Present  a  Majority  of  each  Board,  viz. — 

Mess''".  Phillips,  Oliver,  Lovering,  Austin,  Dorr  &  Shaw  — 
Selectmen. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1819.  133 

His  Honor  W.  Phillips,  Mess'^  Webster,  Snelling,  Mackay, 
Coolidge,  Ricbards,  Hall  &  Walley,  Overseers  of  tbe  Poor. — 
and,  Mess"^®.  Whitman,  Loring,  Jackson,  Otis,  Kilbam,  Colla- 
more,  Fitch,  Carver,  Darricott,  &  Alley,  of  the  Board  of  Health. 

Voted,  To  proceed  to  the  choice  of  a  Town  Treasurer,  for  the 
year  ensuing.— 

Mess'^^  Lovering  &  Dorr,  to  receive  sort  and  count  the  Votes. 

Votes  being  received  for  Town  Treasurer; — Andrew  Sigourney 
Esq.  was  declared  to  be  unanimously  elected. — 

[231.]  It  was  then  voted  to  come  to  the  choice  of  a  Collector 
of  taxes  for  the  year  ensuing; — and  the  votes  being  collected  it 
appeared  that  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq.  was  unanimously  chosen. 

M"^.  Sigourney  having  been  notified  of  his  appointment  to  the 
above  offices,  declared  his  acceptance ; —  and  proposed  Hon. 
Jonathan  Hunnewell  &  Benjamin  Weld  Esq.  as  his  Bondsmen. — 

Voted,  That  the  above  named  Gentlemen  be  accepted  as  M'^. 
Sigourney's  Bondsmen,  and  that  they  execute  a  Bond  of  twenty 
thousand  Dollars,  as  Treasurer,  and  another  Bond  for  twenty 
thousand  dollars  as  Collector  of  taxes. 

Voted,  That  Mess*'*.  Shaw,  Mackay  &  Jackson,  be  a  Com- 
mittee to  examine  the  Bonds  given  by  the  Treasurer  &  Collector, 
see  that  they  are  correctly  drawn  and  legally  executed,  and  to 
report  their  doings  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen. 

Then  the  Convention  was  Dissolved. 


[332.]  The  following  Report  was  received  from  the  Com- 
mittee appointed  by  the  Convention  on  the  7*^^.  instant.  — viz. 

The  Committee  appointed  at  a  Meeting  of  the  Convention  on 
the  7"*.  instant  to  examine  the  Bonds  offered  by  Andrew  Sigour- 
ney Esq.  as  Treasurer  &  Collector  of  taxes  for  the  town  of  Bos- 
ton,  Report, 

That  A.  Sigourney  Esq.  has  delivered  to  them  two  bonds  each 
in  the  penalty  of  twenty  thousand  dollars  ;  one  conditioned  for 
the  faithful  performance  of  his  duties  as  Treasurer,  the  other  as 
Collector,  each  executed  by  said  Sigourney  as  Principal,  and  by 
Jonathan  Hunnewell  &  Benjamin  Weld  Esq,'s  as  Sureties.      The 


134  City  Document  No.  128.   , 

said  Bonds  which  are  herewith  transmitted,  appear  to  your  Com- 
mittee to  be  correctly  drawn  and  legally  executed,  and  that  the 
Sureties  are  those  approved  by  the  Convention.  — 
All  which  is  respectfully  submitted 
By  order  of  the  Committee 

Lemuel  Shaw, 

Chairman. 
Boston  July  26'^.  1819  — 


1830. 

[333.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  13*^^  day  of  March 
A.D.  1820     10  °Clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  Rev*^.  M^.  Sharp. 

"Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  read. 

Law  respecting  the  Election  of  Town  Officers  read. 

Hon  :  John  Phillips  Esq'',  was  Chosen  Moderator. 

Thomas  Clark  was  chosen  Town  Clerk,  for  the  Year  ensuing, 
the  -Oath  of  Office  was  administered  to  him  by  the  Hon  :  Mod- 
erator. 

The  Moderator  directed  the  Inhabitants  to  prepare  and  bring 
in  their  Votes  for  Nine  Selectmen. 

Voted,  That  the  Poll  shall  be  closed  at  1  "Clock. 

Voted,  That  Wilham  Little,  Nathan  Webb,  Thomas  Jackson, 
Thaddeus  Page  &  Henry  J.  Oliver  Esq'■^  be  a  Committee  to  sort 
and  count  the  Votes  for  (Selectmen. 

The  Votes  being  sorted  &  counted  it  appeared  that 
Hon.  Benjamin  Austin 
Daniel  Baxter 
Jonathan  Loring 
Benjamin  T.  Wells 
Samuel  Billings 
Eliphalet  Williams 
George  Brinley  and 
Jeremiah  Fitch  Esquire 
were  chosen  Selectmen. 

Adjourned  to  Monday  next  10  °Clock  A.M. 

[334.]     Met  according  to  Adjournment. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.  135 

Mess'"^  Wells  &  Brinley  chosen  Selectmen,  at  the  last  Meeting, 
having  declined  accepting  the  appointment.  The  Inhabitants 
were  directed  by  the  Moderator  to  bring  in  their  Votes  for  three 
Selectmen. 

On  Motion,  Voted,  That  the  Poll  be  closed  at  2  °Clock. 

On  the  close  of  the  Poll  it  appeared  that 

Abram  Babcock 

Robert  Fennelly  and 

Samuel  A.  Wells  Esq''^ 
were  chosen,  to  complete  the  board  of  Selectmen  for  the  Year 
ensuing. — 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  presented  to  the 
Members  of  the  former  board  of  Selectmen,  for  their  able,  faith- 
ful &  impartial  Services,  during  Years  past. 

Adjourned  to  tomorrow  Morning  at  ^  past  9  "Clock. 
Met  according  to  Adjournment.  — 

Hon.  William  Phillips  Redford  Webster 

Thomas  Perkins  Samuel  Snelling 

William  Mackay  Joseph  Goolidge  J''. 

Jonathan  Phillips  Samuel  May 

Jacob  Hall  Edward  Tuckerman 

Edward  Phillips  and  Henry  Bass  Esq^'^ 

were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  and  of  the  Workhouse  for  the 

Year  ensuing. 

Voted.  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Joseph 
Richards  &  Samuel  H.  Walley  Esq'^■^  for  their  faithful  Services 
as  Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  several  Years  past. 

[335.]    Thomas  Melville  Stephen  Codman 

Daniel  Messinger  Joshua  Davis 

Benjamin  Smith  Nathaniel  Curtis 

James  Phillips  Samuel  M.  Thayer 

Joseph  Lovering  John  D.  Williams 

Jonathan  Loring  John  Mackay 

Lemuel  Shaw  Benjamin  Russell 

Bryant  P.  Tilden  Winslow  Lewis 

Thomas  Jackson  Amos  Binney 

Enoch  Silsby  Isaac  Harris 

George  W.  Otis  Joseph  Jones 

William  Howe  Jonathan  Whitney 

Jeremiah  Fitch  Samuel  A.  Wells 

William  Burrows  Samuel  Hichborn  Jun'^. 
EdmundWinchester  &      Jonathan  Thaxter  Esquires 

were  chosen  Firewards  for  the  Year  ensuing. 


136  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted.  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  John  Bray, 
Nathan  Webb,  Joseph  Austin  &  Turner  PhiUips,  Esq'^^  for  their 
faithful  Services  as  Fire  Wards  for  many  Years  past. 

Doct*'.  Thomas  Welsh    Henry  J.  Oliver  Esq^'. 
Doct^.  Aaron  Dexter      Rev  :  John  Pierpont 
Rev  :  Charles  Lowell      Lemuel  Shaw  Esq'',  and 
William  Wells  Esq^       Rev.  Daniel  Sharp, 
were  chosen  on  the  School  Committee.  — 

Voted.  That  the  above  named  Gentlemen  who  conjunctly 
[336]  with  the  Selectmen,  are  termed  the  School  Committee,  be 
and  hereby  are  directed  to  carry  the  System  of  education  adopted 
by  the  Town  into  Operation  :  and  that  said  Committee  be  also 
authorized  and  empowered,  conjunctly  to  manage  and  regulate  the 
Government  of  the  Schools  ;  and  to  execute  all  the  powers  rela- 
tive to  the  Schools  and  Schoolmasters,  which  the  Selectmen,  or 
such  Committees  are  authorized  by  the  Laws  of  this  Common- 
wealth or  by  the  Votes  of  the  Town  to  exercise.  — 

Votes.  Were  received  for  a  Treasurer  for  the  County  of  Suf- 
folk ;  which  were  sorted  &  counted  by  the  Moderator  &  Town 
Clerk.  —  the  Votes  given  in  were  for 

Col.  Thaddeus  Page    -     -  873     Charles  Newell    -     -     -     -       1 
Benjamin  Weld  Esq^  -     -  752     Washington  Munroe      -     -       1 

Charles  Hammatt   -     -     -  283     John  Colton 1 

Turner  PhilUps  Esq^  -     -     93     James  Savage      -     -     -     -       1 

Nathan  Webb  Esq--.     -     -     32  

2037 

Adjourned  to  half  past  3  "Clock.  P.  M. 

Met  According  to  Adjournment  at  J  past  3  °Clock, 

Mess'"^  Benjamin  White        William  Clouston 
Nathaniel  Bradlee      Noah  Doggett 
Thomas  Christie         Bradock  Loriug 
William  Green  Eleazer  Homer 

Joseph  Stodder  Allen  Bowker 

William  Ellison  Nathaniel  Glover 

John  Howe  Jun^        Richard  Thayer 
[337.]    Edward  J.  Robbins     Henry  Blake 

Joseph  Tucker  Moses  Eayres  Jun'". 

Benjamin  Harris  and  OUver  Mills 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Boards  and  Other  Lumber.  — 

Mess".  Heniy  Purkitt  Benjamin  Owen 

Nathaniel  Howe         Benjamin  Clark 
James  Brown  and       Charles  Pook 
were  chosen  Cullers  of  Hoops  and  Staves. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.  137 

Mess".  Benjamin  Clark  Nathaniel  Howe 

Charles  Pook  Benjamin  Owen 

James  Brown  John  F.  Bannister 

WilKam  Spear,  Jacob  Barstow  &  Eben"^^.  Perry 
w^ere  Chosen  Cullers  of  Dry  Fish. 

Mess""^.  Benjamin  White  Nathaniel  Bradlee 

Romanus  Emerson       Abel  Hewins 
Rolun  Hartshorn  and  John  Howe  Jun''. 
were  chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

Mess''®.  Joseph  Cabot  John  Kimball 

William  Andrews  and  Royal  Oliver 
were  chosen  Hogreeves,  Haywards  &  field  drivers  for  the  Year 
ensuing. 

Mess''*.  Michael  Homer,  Francis  James  and  Samuel  Sprague 
were  Chosen  Inspectors  of  Lime. 

Samuel  Emmons  and  James  Phillips  Esq",  were  Chosen  Sur- 
veyors of  Hemp. 

Thomas  Howe  and  John  Tuckerman  Esq.  were  chosen  Sur- 
veyors of  Wheat. 

[338.]     John  Wells  and  Nathaniel  Alley  Esq",  were  Chosen 

Assay  Masters. 

The  Selectmen  were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Highway. 

Voted,  That  Stephen  Codman,  Francis  J.  Oliver  and  Robert 
G.  Shaw  Esquires  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Committee  to 
Audit  the  Accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer ;  and  said  Com- 
mittee are  directed  to  report  the  sum  necessary  to  be  raised  for 
the  services  of  the  present  Year. 

Voted,  That  the  consideration  of  all  Money  Matters  be  referred 
to  the  May  Meeting. — 

James  Prince,  Isaac  Winslow  &  Samuel  May  Esq'^.  were  ap- 
pointed a  Committee  to  examine  the  report  of  Receipts  &  expen- 
ditures made  by  the  Committee  of  Finance,  in  Order  to  Ascertain 
whether  any  savings  or  retrenchments  may  be  made  in  the  public 
expences  and  Report  at  the  May  Meeting. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  ' '  To  consider  the  request  of  a 
number  of  the  Inhabitants  for  permission  to  continue  the  Range 
of  Tombs  in  the  South  Burial  Ground,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Board  of  Health  "  was  taken  up  and  committed  to  the  Selectmen, 
to  report  thereon  at  the  May  Meeting.  — 


138  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  Application  of  the  Boston  &  Roxbury  Mill  Corporation, 
to  be  allowed  further  time  to  complete  their  "Works,  was  also 
Committed  to  the  Selectmen. 

[339.]  The  Votes  for  four  persons  to  complete  the  School 
Committee,  were  received  sorted  &  Counted ;  when  it  appeared, 
the  whole  number  was  1582.  necessary  to  make  a  choice  792. 
The  highest  number  of  Votes  given  for  any  candidate  was  754. 
There  being  no  choice. —  It  was  Moved  &  Voted,  That  the  choice 
of  four  Gentlemen  to  complete  the  School  Committee  be  referred 
to  the  May  Meeting. — 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  ' '  To  see  if  the  Town  will  Lease  to 
the  Freemasons  the  Rooms  over  the  First  Storey  in  the  Old  State 
House  for  a  long  term  of  Years."  was  taken  up  and  the  Subject 
referred  to  the  Selectmen  to  consider  and  report  thereon  at  the 
May  Meeting.  — 

Voted,  Unanimously.  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  pre- 
sented to  the  Hon  :  John  Phillips  Esq"^.  for  his  able  and  impartial 
services  as  Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

Then   the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 

Attest  Tho^  Clark.  Town  Clerk. 


[340.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of 
Boston  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  third  day  of  April. 
A.D.  1820.  9  oClock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev :  Paul  Dean. 

"Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  and  the  return  thereon  read 
by  the  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen. — 

Thomas  Clark  Esq"".  Town  Clerk  being  absent  by  reason  of 
indisposition,  Samuel  F.  M*^.Cleary  Esq'",  was  chosen  Clerk  pro 
tempore  and  the  Oath  of  Office  was  administered  to  him  in  open 
Town  Meeting,  by  Zebedee  Cook  J^  Esq'^'.  a  Justice  of  the  peace 
for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

The  Constitution  and  Laws  were  read  respecting  the  election 
of  Governor,  Lieutenant  Governor,  Councillors  &  Senators. 

The  Selectmen  presiding,  the  Chairman  requested  the  legal 
Voters  to  prepare  &  bring  in  their  Votes  for  Governor,  Lieuten- 
ant Governor  &  Six  Senators  for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.  139 

On  Motion  made  and  seconded,  it  was  Voted.  That  the  poll 
shall  be  closed  at  2  oClock  P.M. 

Persons  voted  for  as  Governor,  with  the  number  of  Votes  for 
each  person  viz*^. 

His  Excellency  John  Brooks 352 

Hon:  William  Eustis 1682 

John  Phillips 

Benjamin  Parsons       - 

Daniel  Adams        

Hosea  Ballon 

Parson  Channing - 

Benjamin  E.  Grosman     --...._ 


5209 


[241.]     Persons  voted  for  for  Lieut.  Governor,  with  the  num- 
ber of  Votes  for  each  person  viz*. 

His  Honor  William  Phillips 3489 

Hon.  Benjamin  Austin 1701 

William  Eustis 1 

Levi  Lincoln     .--- 1 

William   Sullivan  -- 1 

John  H.  Smith       - 1 

Elias  Smith 1 

Joshua  Sears 1 

Stephen  Shelton .-..  i 


5197 


Persons  Voted  for  as  Councillors  and  Senators  for  the  Dis- 
trict of  Suffolk,  with  the  number  of  Votes  for  each  person  viz*. 

Hon.  John  PhiUips 5187 

"    Peter  C.  Brooks     ---------     5151 

"    John  Welles 5112 

"    Jonathan  Hunnewell 3304 

"    Benjamin  Gorham -     3387 

William  Sullivan  Esq''. 3398 

Hon.  Wilham  Gray -     1818 

Samuel  A.  Wells  Esq''. 1793 

David  Sears  Esq"^. -     1813 

James  T.  Austin 59 

Josiah  Quincy --         32 

Henry  Dearborn  -  8  Abram  Babcock  -  -  .  -  1 
Thomas  Badger  -  3  Artemas  Ward  ....  2 
Jacob  Rhodes       -     1      Nathaniel  Goddard    -     -     -     2 

William  Phillips   -     2      Henry  Orne 8 

William  Ingalls    -     4      Isaac  Winslow      -     -     -     -     2 

Samuel  P.  Gardner    1      Joseph  C.  Smith  -     -     -     -     2 

Thomas   L.    Win-  Josiah  Salisbury  -     -     -     -     3 

throp       -     -     .     2      Russell  Sturgis     ....     3 


140  City  Document  No.  128. 

Joseph      Coolidge  Benjamin  Hunnewell      -     -     1 

J'^.      -     -     -     -  1  James  Lloyd 2 

Samuel  Brown      -  4  Jeremiah  Evarts  -     ...     3 

Isaac  Dupee    -     -  1  Joseph  Tilden       .     _     _     .     2 

Samuel  Hubbard  -  5  Moses  Wallack     -     -     -     - 

[343]     Amos  Binney  -     -  1  David  Townsend  -     -     -     - 


Jesse  Putnam       -  3  Wilham  G-ale 

Lemuel  Shaw  -     -  1  Samuel  A.  Walley 

Peter  O.Thacher  -  2  James  Perkins 

James  Prince  -     -  1  Charles  Willis 

George  Blake  -     -  1  Henry  White  -     - 

William  P.  Felton  1  Benjamin  Whitman 

Benjamin  T.Wells  1  Charles  Davis 

John  Minchin  -     -  1  William  Jennings 

Ebenezer       Kick-  Samuel  Salisbury 

shins  -     -     -     -  1  Eben*'.  Clough 

Attested  Copies  of  return  of  Persons  Voted   for  as  Governo 
Lieutenant  Governor,  Counsellors  &  Senators  for  the  District  o 
Suffolk,    were    sealed    up    in  Open  Town  Meeting,   (after   the 
Vote  had  been  declared)  to  be  transmitted   to  the  Secretary  of 
the   Commonwealth,    as  prescribed    by   Law,    and   directed   as 
follows,  viz*. 

"  To  Alden  Bradford  Esq"".  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth 
of  Massachusetts. 
Votes   of  the   Town    of    Boston,    for   Governor    &   Lieutenant 
Governor,  sealed  up  in  Open  Town  Meeting." 

"  To  Alden  Bradford  Esq^'.  Secretary  of  the 

Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts. 

Votes  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  for  Six  Senators  and  Counsellors, 

for  the  District  of  Suffolk,  sealed  up  in  Open  Town  Meeting."  — 

The  Meeting  was  then  Dissolved. 

Attest 

S.  F.  M^'Cleary  Town  Clerk  pro  tem. 


[343.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston  of  twenty  one  Years  of  age  &  upwards  qualified  as 
the  Constitution  prescribes,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the 
15"'  day  of  May  A.D.  1820. 

10  "Clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev'^  M^  Eaton. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  read. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.  141 

Paragraph  of  the  Constitution  relative,  to  the  choice  of  Repre- 
sentatives, read.  Also  the  Laws  of  the  Commonwealth  regulat- 
ing Town  Meetings  and  relating  to  the  qualification  of  Voters, 
were  read.  — 

A  Communication  from  the  Assessors  was  read,  wherein  it  was 
stated  that  "  they  have  not  yet  completed  taking  the  Polls  in  all 
the  Wards  the  present  Year.  —  the  whole  number  found  the  last 
Year  was  eleven  thousand  one  hundred  &  ninety  Seven,  and  so 
far  as  they  have  already  progressed,  they  have  no  hesitation  in 
saying,  that  the  number  will  not  be  diminished  the  present 
Year.  —  " 

Voted  to  proceed  to  the  Choice  of  Fifteen  persons  to  represent 
this  Town  in  the  General  Court  the  present  Year.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Poll  be  closed  at  2  °Clock  P.M. 

The  Votes  being  collected,  Sorted  &  Counted  it  appeared  that 
the  whole  number  given  in  was  2498 

Necessary  to  make  a  choice --     1250  the 

following  Gentlemen  had  the  number  of  Votes  set  against  their 
respective  names  and  were  declared  to  be  duly  elected. 
Representatives  for  the  Year  ensuing  —  viz*. 

[344.]  Josiah  Quincy      1482  Benjamin  Russell  -  1500 

Warren  Button    1551  William  Tudor  -     -  1549 

Lemuel  Shaw       2446  William  Sturgis      -  1555 

Samuel  Hubbard  2460  Joseph  Coolidge  J'".   1556 

Heman  Lincoln    2464  Edmund  Winchester  2445 

Nathan  Hale         1570  George  Bond     -     -  1522 

Joseph  Austin      1542  Francis  C.  Gray     -  1567     and 
Theodore  Lyman  J"".  2377  — 

The  following  Gentlemen,  had  the  number  of  Votes  set  against 

their  respective  Names.  — viz*. 

Benjamin  Whit-  Josiah  Salisbury      -     -     .  953 

man       -     -     -  938      David  Sears 931 

James  T  Austin  936  Jeremiah  Evarts      -     _     _  953 

John  Brazer  -     -  897  James  Loring      -     _     .     .  950 

Thaddeus  Page  -  913  Samuel  A.  Wells     -     -     -  923 

John  P.  Boyd     -  902  D.  Messinger      -     -     .     .       3 

S.  E.  Dwight      -       3  Henry    Dearborn     -     -     -       2 

Theodore  Lyman       2  L.  Packard  J*'.    -     -     -     -       1 

J.  Lovering   -     -       1      Benj.  Rich 1 

George  Hallett   -       1  Sam^  L.  Knapp       -     .     .       2 

Js.  Thorndike     -       1      Jos.  Hall  J^ 1 

W"^.  R.  Gray      -       1  Jon^  Whitney    -     -     -     -       1 

Thomas  Badger  -       5      B.  P.  Tilden 4 

Joseph  Eustis     -       1  Thomas  Baldwin      -     -     -       2 


142 


City  Document  No,  128. 


G.  King  -  -  - 
Jon*.  vSimonds  - 
J.  N.  Howe  -  - 
David  Mosely  - 
Fitch  Tufts  -  - 
Mat.  M.  Hunt  - 
Sam^  Dorr  -  - 
Issac  vStevens 
J.  C.  Eainsford  - 
F.Welsh-  -  - 
E.  Ticknor  -  - 
Henry  Rice  -  - 
John  Fox  -  -  - 
James  Prince 
John  Campbell  - 
D.W.  Child-  - 
[245]  H.  Purkitt  -  - 
L.  Tappan  -  - 
Ch^  Tappan  -  - 
Joel  Thayer  -  - 
Joseph  West-  - 
Arnold  Welles  - 
D.  Baxter  -  - 
Jacob  Hall  -  - 
Sam^  Hitchborn 
Henry  H.  Fuller 
Jacob  Rhodes 
W»\  B.  Bradford 
H.  G.  Otis  -  - 
Joshua  Child 
Alex  Bliss  -  - 
Caleb  Adams 
Timothy  Wil- 
liams -  -  - 
Aaron  Hill  -  - 
John  Dorr  -  - 
Jos.  Grafton  -  - 
John  D.  Dyer  - 
John  Brown  -  - 
John  Cotton  -  - 
Elisha  Ticknor  - 
T.  Vose  -  -  - 
Eben  Fro  thing- 
ham  -  -  -  - 
Sami.  Whitwell  - 
Fred^.  Cabot 
Sam^  Brown  -  - 
R.  G.  Shaw  -  - 
Jon^.  Loring  -  - 
S.  Parkman  J"".  - 


1      T.  K.  Jones 1 

1  T.  L.  Winthrop-     -     -     -  4 

1  D.  Hale  J^ 1 

2  Jos.  Coohdge  .  -  .  -  1 
1  William  Gray      -     -     -     -  8 

1      Henry  Orne 8 

4  James  Savage     -     -     -     -  2 

1  R.  B.  Callender  -     -     -     -  1 

1      W"\  Ingalls 1 

4      Josiah  Vose 1 

1  David  W.  Bradlee  -     -     -  1 

1  Dani.  Wild    -     -     -     -  1 

1      Otis  Everett 1 

1  Sam'.  F.  Armstrong     -     -  4 

1  W"\  Minot  -----  1 
2 

4      W"\  Little 4 

1  J.  C.   Ballard     -     -     -     -  1 

1  Alfred  Curtis      -     -     -     -  1 

1  George  Odiorne  -     -     -     -  4 

1  G.  W.  Otis    -----  1 

2  Dean  Willis  -----  1 
4  Geo.    Frothingham  -     -     -  1 

1      Era  James 1 

1      D.  Vinal 1 

1  W"'.  Gale       -----  2 

3  S.  H.  Walley      -     -     -     -  2 

1  John  Lovering    -     -     -     -  1 

2  Ehjah  Morse  -----  1 
1  Thomas  Wigglesworth  -  -  1 
1  Thomas  Jackson  -  -  -  1 
1  Ja^  Carter     -----  1 

James  S.  Lovell  -     -     -     -  1 

1  Archibald  McNeill   -     -     -  1 

2  Elias  Smith 1 

1  The.  Melville      -     -     -     -  1 

2  Jos.  Foster  -  -  .  -  -  1 
1  James  Phillips    -     -     -     -  1 

1  Asa  AVhitney      _     -     -     -  1 

2  Barz  Holmes 1 

2  Phineas  Upham  -     -     -     -  1 

1  Edmund  Wright  J'.       -     -  1 

Ja^.  Adams 1 

1  Peter  C.  Brooks-     -     -     -  I 

4  T.  Goddard 1 

1  Turner  Phillips  -     -     -     -  1 

4  Sam^  Appleton  -     -     -     -  1 

5  Jon'^.  Phillips  .  -  -  -  1 
1  Eben''.  Francis  -  -  -  -  1 
1  Josiah  Whitney  -     -     -     -  1 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820- 


143 


[246] 


David  Hale 1 

James  Smith  -----  1 

Dau^  Dunton      -     .     -     -  1 

Henry  Emmons  -     -     -     -  1 

W"\  Wells 1 

Jon''^.  L.  Austin  -     -     -     -  1 

Redford  Webster     -     -     -  1 

Tho.  Hunting      .     -     -     -  1 

W".  Jackson      -     -     -     -  6 

Ch^  Davis 1 

Isaac  Winslow    -     -     -     -  1 

David  Hensliaw  -     -     -     -  1 

J.  C.  Ransford   -     -     -     -  1 

Jos.  Woodward  -     -     -     -  1 

Ensign  Lincoln  -     -     -     -  1 

Benj.  Rich 2 

Moses  Grant 1 

R.  Faxon 1 

Fred"^.  Weld 3 

Jos.  Grafton 1 

E.  Jones  ------  2 

T.  Motley     -----  1 

Jer^.  Fitch     -----  1 

H.  G.  Otis  Jun^      -     -     -  2 

John  Cotton  -----  1 

F.  Bassett      -----  1 

John  Clark 1 

J.  Phillips 1 


Declaration  of  the  State  of  the  Votes  being  made,  The  Meeting 
was  Dissolved 

Att-est 

Tho'  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 


Franklin    Dexter 

1 

Jesse  Putnam 

2 

Eph"".  Marsh      - 
Geo.  Burroughs  - 

Jos.  Tilden    -     - 

Nath^  Curtis 

S.  Snelling     -     - 

David    Stan  wood 

J.  Kilhani       -     - 

R.  D.  Tucker      - 

Theo    Bainbridge 

Tho^  Sawyer      - 
John  G.  Rodgers 

James  Sabine 

Ben.f .  West  -     - 
H.  Homes      -     - 

B.  Rand    -     -     - 

S.  Bean     -     -     - 

Amos  Fitch    -     . 

David  C.  Mosely 
Martin    Brimmer 

Sam^.  Billings 

Jon^.  Loring  -     - 

J.  Dorr     -     -     - 

Gidney  King  -     - 
D.  Webster   -     - 

A.  Peabocly   -     - 
John  Fitch     -     - 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Citizens  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
liable  to  be  taxed,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  29*^^.  day 
of  May  A.D.  1820  —  9  "Clock  A.M. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting  —  read. 

Stephen  Codman  Esq'',  was  chosen  Moderator. 

William  Dall  Joshua  Davis 

Thomas  Dawes  Peter  O.  Thacher 

Barzillai  Homes  and  George  Bond  Esq'"^. 
were  chosen  Trustees  of  Neck  Lands. 


George  Darracott  Esq"",  was  chosen  a  Fireward. 


1-14  City  Document  No.  128. 

[247.]     Francis  J,  Oliver  Esq^     Rev.  Nath^  L.  Frothingbam 
Benjamin  Russell    and    John  Gr.  Coffin  Esq''*. 
were  chosen  to  supply  the  vacancies  in  the  School  Committee. 

Thomas  Hammond,  was  chosen  Pound  Keeper  at  South  Boston. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  cause  a  Pound 
to  be  built  on  G  Street  South  Boston. 

Thomas  Hammond     Jeremiah  Cotting  and 
Simon  J.  Stoddard 
were  appointed  Hogreeves,   Hay  wards  &  Field  Drivers  for  the 
Year  ensuing. 

Joseph  Cabot  John  Kimball 

Joseph  Harris  and  William  Andrews 
were  chosen  Field  Drivers  for  the  Year  ensuing. 

The  Petition  of  a  number  of  the  inhabitants  ' '  That  a  new 
School  House  may  be  erected  at  the  Westerly  part  of  the  Town  " 
was  referred  to  the  School  Committee. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Application  of  John 
T.  Apthorp  &  Benjamin  Gorham  Esq'^^  in  Behalf  of  the  Boston 
&  Roxbury  Mill  Corporation  have  attended  the  duty  assigned 
them  &  ask  leave  to  Report. 

At  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  town  of  Boston  on 
the  11^^.  day  of  June  1813.  —  on  the  Petition  of  Isaac  P.  Davis 
and  others  for  liberty  to  build  a  Mill  Dam  &  Turnpike  Road 
from  the  bottom  of  Beacon  Street  and  for  other  Mill  Improve- 
ments.—  it  was  Voted,  to  refer  the  same  to  a  Committee,  con- 
sisting of  the  [348]  Board  of  Selectmen  &  one  Gentleman 
from  each  Ward  in  the  Town,  to  consider  the  subject  and  report 
at  a  future  Meeting.  — 

The  Committee  thus  appointed  reported  in  favor  of  the  request 
of  the  petitioners  on  certain  conditions  expressed  in  their  report, 
allowing  them  five  years  from  the  first  day  of  January  1815 —  to 
complete  their  Work  —  Provided  however,  that  in  case  said  Cor- 
poration shall  fail  to  perform  either  of  the  above  conditions 
within  the  time  aforesaid  then  the  grant  from  the  Town  of  Boston 
shall  be  wholly  Void,  and  the  land  and  flats  shall  revert  to  the 
town.  — Your  Committee  are  well  aware  that  the  Work  is  not 
completed,  and  that  the  property  then  conditionally  conveyed  has 
reverted  to  the  Town. 

Your  Committee  have  confined  themselves  principally  to  the 
consideration  of  the  interests  of  the  town,  and  as  they  are  satis- 
fied the  delay  in  the  completion  of  this  Work  was  not  the  fault  of 
the  corporation,  but   the  effect  of   circumstances,  beyond   their 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.  145 

control,  they  recommend  that  an  extension  of  time  be  allowed  the 
Proprietors  of  the  Boston  &  Roxbnry  Mill  Corporation,  under  all 
the  conditions,  limitations    &  restrictions   originally  prescribed, 
of  Two  Years  from  the  first  day  [of]  January  1820.  — 
submitted  by  Eliphalet  Williams, 

by  order  of  the  Committee. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  Read  &  Accepted. — And  — 
Voted,  That  the  Proprietors  of  the  Boston  and  Roxbury  Mill  Cor- 
poration be  allowed  two  years  from  the  first  day  of  January 
1820  —  to  complete  their  Works,  agreeably  to  the  Report.  — 

[249.]  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Application 
of  Joseph  Balch  and  Others  to  continue  the  range  of  Tombs  in 
the  South  Burying  Ground  —  have  attended  that  service  and  ask 
leave  ^to  Report.  — 

That  by  a  Law  of  this  Commonwealth  passed  20*'?.  June 
1816  —  The  Board  of  Health  of  the  Town  of  Boston  are  fully 
authorized  &  empowered  from  time  to  time  to  make  and  establish, 
such  rules  orders  and  regulations,  for  the  interment  of  the  Dead 
in  said  Town,  —  to  establish  the  Police  of  the  burying  grounds, 
appoint  and  locate  the  places  for  the  deposit  of  the  dead  in  said 
town,  and  to  cause  the  burying  grounds  to  be  repaired  and  prop- 
erly enclosed.  — 

Your  Committee  are  therefore  unanimously  of  opinion  that  the 
application  of  the  petitioners  ought  to  be  referred  to  the  Board 
of  Health  who  only  are  empowered  to  act  in  the  premises. 
Submitted  by  Eliphalet  Williams, 

Chairman  of  the  Committee. 
The  above  Report  was  read  and  Accepted.  — 

The  Committee  appointed  to  consider  the  application  of  Daniel 
Baxter  and  Others  "  To  see  if  the  Town  will  Lease  to  the  Free- 
masons the  rooms  over  the  first  Story  in  the  Old  State  House.  " 
made  a  report  against  the  petitioners  which  was  not  accepted  ; 
the  subject  after  a  lengthy  debate  was  indefinitely  postponed. 

The  Article  in  the  Warrant  relating  to  the  Claim  of  Mess''^ 
David  Hinckley  &  Luther  Ellis  was  taken  up,  and  after  a  short 
debate,  the  subject  was  dismissed.  — 

[250.]  The  Application  of  Lemuel  Packard  Jun^  &  Others 
' '  to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  uniting  the  Offices 
and  duties  of  the  County  &  Town  Treasurers,  was  read  and  re- 
ferred to  the  Committee  of  Finance,  to  consider  the  Subject  and 
report  thereon  at  the  Adjournment  of  this  Meeting.  — 

It  was  Voted,  to  fill  the  Vacancy  at  the  Board  of  Selectmen ; 
and  the  adjournment  of  this  Meeting  was  assigned  as  the  time 
for  this  purpose.  — 


146  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  Subscribers  having  been  appointed  a  Committee  by  a  Vote 
of  the  Town  on  the  21^'  day  of  March  1820o  — "to  Audit  the 
Accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer,  with  directions  to  report  the 
sum  necessary  to  be  raised,  for  the  services  of  the  present 
Year.  — ■  Report  that  they  have  so  far  attended  that  service  as  to 
examine  tlie  Treasurer's  Accounts  for  all  Monies  received  and 
paid  by  him  from  the  10"'  day  of  May  1819  to  the  22^^^  day  of 
May  1820. — 'With  all  the  Vouchers.  —  That  they  find  the  same 
correctly  stated,  well  vouched  &  right  cast :  by  which  it  appears 
that  there  remains  a  balance  due  to  the  Town,  in  the  hands  of  the 
Treasurer  of  Forty  five  thousand,  one  hundred  and  Seventy  dol- 
lars &  i-\<5_^  up  to  the  said  22*^  day  of  May  instant.  — 

With  regard  to  the  remaining  part  of  the  duty  assigned  them 
by  their  Commission,  viz*,  to  Report  the  sum  necessary  to  be 
raised  for  the  services  of  the  present  year,  the  Committee  would 
observe,  that  since  the  establishment  of  a  Standing  Committee  of 
finance,  who  are  composed  of  the  members  of  the  Boards  of 
Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor  &  Health  for  the  time  being, 
that  Service  has  been  performed  by  them,  and  therefore  this 
Committee  [351]  beg  leave  to  refer  the  town,  to  their  Report 
on  this  subject,  which  they  presume  will  be  made  at  this 
Meeting.  — 

Your  Committee  take  this  Occasion  to  congratulate  the  Town 
on  the  pleasing  situation  of  their  Monied  concerns,  it  appears 
by  the  Treasurer's  Accounts,  that  the  Town  is  now  entirely 
free  of  debt,  and  that  a  handsome  sum  remains  in  the  Treas- 
ury. —  This  very  happy  state  must  be  attributed  to  the  liberality 
&  punctuality  of  the  citizens  in  promptly  discharging  the  duties 
they  owe  each  Other,  by  their  readiness  to  pay  their  taxes,  as 
well  as  to  the  good  arrangements  of  the  Treasurer  &  Collector, 
in  the  discharge  of  his  duty. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted 
Step  Codman         ^ 
Francis  J.  OUver  y  Committee. 
Rob^  O.  Shaw      J 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  Accepted. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  was  Ordered  to  be 
printed. 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  the  8"'  day  June  next  at  10  "Clock 
A.M. 

[353.]     Thursday  June  8"\  Met  according  to  adjournment. 

P^ighth  Annual  Report 
of  the  Committee  of  Fi.nance. 

The  Committee  of  Finance  consisting  of  the  Selectmen,  Over- 
seers of  the  Poor  and  Board  of  Health,  have  attended  to  the  duty 
assigned  them  by  the  Town,  and  present  the  following  report. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.  147 

That  they  have  carefully  examined  the  Books  and  Accounts  of 
the  Treasurer  &  Collector,  which  they  found  to  be  clearly  and 
accurately  kept  and  adjusted ;  that  they  have  examined  the  Books 
&  Accounts  of  the  Board  of  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor 
&  Board  of  Health  for  receipts  and  expenditures  in  their  several 
departments,  all  of  which  they  found  accurately  adjusted ;  and 
have  examined  generally  into  the  monied  concerns  of  the  Town, 
and  present  the  following  Statements  as  the  result  of  their  inves- 
tigations. — 

N°.  1. 

The  Amount  of  Taxes  Assessed  in  1819  was  as  follows  viz*. 

State  Tax 22,061.33 

Town  &  County  Tax    -     -     -       147,797.77 


$169,859.10 


Amount   received   by  the   Treasurer,    on 

Account  of  said  Taxes 156,293.90 

Amount  of  Abatement  of  Taxes  agree- 
ably to  certificates  of  the  Assessors     -  8,073.20 

Balance  Uncollected    -------  5,492. — 


169,859.10 

[353.]  Amount  received  by  the  Treasurer  on  Account  of 
Uncollected  Taxes  of  preceding  Years  and  outstanding  at  last 
settlement 

1813  &  1814       .     .     -     -     -  43.40 

1815  --.---.-  111.— 

1816  --..--.-  190.30 

1817 -  349.80 

1818 2,661.  3 

1819     -     - 156,293.90 

$159,649.43 

whole  Amount  received  for  Taxes  by  the  Treasurer  from  May 
1819  to  May  1820 $159,649.43.— 

N°.  2. 

The  Town  of  Boston  in  Account  with  A.  Sigourney  Treas"^.  -  D"^. 

1819 
May    10      To  amount  due  the  Com- 
monwealth  on  Tax  of 

1818 10,000. 

To  Amount  due  County 
of  Suffolk  on  d".—      -  8,000 


41,717.43 


45,121   13 


148  City  Document  No.  128. 

d°      on      Selectmens      & 

Overseers  drafts  -     -     -  3,717.43 

1820 

Jan^.  10.     To     Cash    paid     Boston 

Bank  for  my  Note  as 

Treasurer,   dated  Oct^'. 

1.  1819 10,000.— 

Feby.  29  To  ditto  Massachusetts 
Bank  for  d°.  dated 
Aug* 10,000.— 

April  10.  To  ditto  Elizabeth  Brad- 
lee  for  d°.  dated  Dec"". 

10.  1818 6,000.— 

28      To    ditto   Commonwealth 

Tax  for  1819     -     -     -        22,061.33 

"      To  ditto  County  of  Suf- 
folk d°.     15,871.— 

"       To  ditto  Interest  on  Sun- 
dry Notes      -     -     -     -  1,023.80 

"      To  John  Stuarts  Note     -  125.— 

"        "   J  &  A  Huntings  d°.    -  40. — 

Amount  of  the  Board 
of  Healths  drafts 
from  June  11**^  to 
Dec^  27'^^.  1819  in- 
clusive    -     -     -     -  9,000.— 

Amount  of  the  Over- 
seers drafts  from 
June  2"*^.  1819  to 
May  3"^^*.  1820,  in- 
clusive    -     -     -     -        32,518.76 

Amount  of  Selectmens 
drafts  from  May 
3P*.  1819  to  May 
3.  1820  inclusive    -        94,967.92 

Carried  over     -     -     -     -$136,486.68        86,838.56 
[254.]   Amount  brought  forward,     136,486.68        86,838.56 
Amount    of    d°.     for    Boylston 
Town  Schools  from  31"^  May 

1819  to  Nov'.  2 9«\  inclusive,  1.397.89      137,884.57 

Counterfeit    Bills    received    for     ' 

Taxes 11.— 

1820 
May    22.     Balance  due  the  Town  to 

New  Account     -     -     -        45,170.76        45,181.76 

$269,904.89 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.   '  149 

The  Town  of  Boston  in  %  with  A  Sigourney  Treasurer.  C"^. 
1819 

May    10.     By  Balance  due  the  Town  T^'  %  of  this 

date,  rendered 43,973.69 

29  By  Cash  of  Jabez  Hunt- 
ing for  his  Note       -     -  90. — 

June     1      By  d°.  of  Jacob  Tidd  J^ 

ford°. 378.— 

July      2      By  d'',  of  W'".  Tukesbury 

in  part  of  d''.     -     -     -  354.— 

July   24      By  d°.  of  Rea  &  Wright 

in  part  of  d°.      -     -     -  100.— 

24.     By  Cash  of  A  Moore  in 

part  of  his  Note      -     -  39.2 

29.  By  d°.  of  the  State  Treas- 
urer for  the  maintain- 
ance  of  State  Paupers 
to  June    1     -     -     -     -  8,088.24 


Aug*.  30.     By  d°.  of  Massachusetts 

Bank  for  my  Note    as 

Treasurer  -  ^  -  -  10,000. — 
Sep*.  11.     By  d°.  of  W™.  Wetmore 

in  part  of  his  Note  -  100. — 
27      By  d°.  of  W"\  Wetmore 

in  full  of  his  Note  -  -  135  .— 
Oct^     2.     By  d<>.  of  Boston  Bank  for 

my  Note  as  Treasurer,  10,000. — 


1820 

Jany.     7. 

By  d".   of  Uriah  Cotting 

balance  of  Bond      -     - 

516.— 

"       15. 

By  d°.  of  Abraham  Moore 

in  part  of  his  Note 

14.90 

Mar.  14 

By  d°.  of  State  Treasurer 
for    Maintainance    of 

State  Paupers  to  Dec"^.  1 , 

8,495.86 

By  d°.  of  Ralph  Haskins 

by  Lemuel  Shaw  Esq'. 

for  paving  Tremont  and 

Court  Streets     -     -     - 

13.68 

April  26. 

By  d°.  of  Ward  N.  Boyl- 

ston  in  part  of  his  Bond, 

5,000.— 

29 

By  d°.  of  Rea  &  Wright, 

100.— 

May    18 

By  d°.  of  Abraham  Moore 

balance  of  his  Note 

70.8 

9,049.26 


20,235.- 


14,210  52 


150  City  Document  No.  128. 

20      By   d°.    for   Licenses    to 

Auctioneers  -     -     -     -  124. — 

By  d^.  for  d°.  to  Hackney 

Carriages       -     .     -     _  74. — 

By   d°.    for    breaches  of 

Laws  - 79.33 

By  d°.  of  the  Fire  Wards 

their  proportion  of  the 

fines  received  for  breach 

of  Gunpowder  Laws     -  62.8 

May    20.     By     Cash   of    Militia 

Exempts  -----  258. — 

By  Balance  due  on  Select- 

mens  &  Overseers 

drafts 226.24 


823.65        87,468.47 


1820 
[355.]     May  20.     By    Amount 

Brought  Foi-ward     -     -  823.65        87,468.47 

May  20.     By  Cash  rec*^.  for  Interest 

on     Bonds     &     Notes  3483.2 


By  Cash  rec*^.  for  Rent  of 

Lands  on  Neck  -     -     -  186.20 

By  Cash  rec**.  for  Rent  on 

Prince    &     Merrimack 

Streets      .     .     -     -     .  31. — 

By  Cash  rec*^.   for    Hay 

Scales 297.47 

By  Cash  rec**.  for  House 

in  Union  Street  -     -     -  48. — 

By  Cash  rec*^.   for  Stalls 

&  on  Market      -     -     -  9694.74 

By  Cash  rec"*.  for  Stalls  & 

Cellars   under    Faneuil 

Hall 4002.50 

By  Cash  rec**.  for  Shops 

&  Offices  in  Old  State 

House 4220.41 


4,306.67 


18,480.32 


By  Cash  rec"*.  for  Taxes 
of  1813,  1814,  1815, 
1816,  1817,  1818  & 
1819 169,649.43 


$269,904.89 


Boston  22  May  1820. 

Errors  Excepted 

Andrew  Sigourney — Town  Treasurer 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820. 


161 


N^  3. 
Statements  of  the   Debts  &    Credits  of    the  Town  of  Boston 

May  1820. 

Town  of  Boston D'. 

To  Selectmen  of  Boston     -     -     -     -  1230. — 

"  Overseers  Drafts      -----  187.45 

"   Selectmens  d''. 38.79 

"  Boylston  Town  Schools      -     -     -  7738.10 

"  Unliquidated  Accounts      -     -     -  5182.67 

— 14377.01 

Balance  in  favor  of  the  Town    -------  53.000 

67377.01 

Town  of  Boston C. 

By  Ward  N.  Boylston  Bond     -     -     -  10,000 

"  Jacob  Tidd  Jun^ 1512 

"  John  Hancock 930 

"  Joseph  Rowe 535.50 

"  Rea  &  Wright 500.— 

"  John  Stuart 125.— 

"  Isaac  Rand 46.20 

"  J.  &  A.  Hunting 40. 

Carried  Forward  -     -     -     -         13688.70 
[356.]     By     Amount      Brought 

Forward 13688.70 

By  William  Tewksbury     -  17.55 

By    Commonwealth    of 

Massachusetts      -     -     -  7000. — 

By  Uncollected  Taxes  -     -  1500. — 

By  Cash  in  the  Treasury   -         45170.76 

67,377.01 

Boston  May  22,  1820. 

Errors  Excepted 

Andrew  Sigourney  Town  Treasurer. 

D''.    Boylston  Town  Schools  in  %  with  the  Town  of  Boston.    C^. 

1819  1819 

June  1  To  Cash  pr.  Sun-  May  10,  By  Balance 

dry  bills     -     -     -     -  923.14  due  as  p"".  account  of 

July     To  Cash  -     -     -       7617  this  date      -     -     -     8691.33 

Aug*.    "      do    -     -     -250.63  Int*.  on  do.  1  year    -       521.47 

Nov'     "      do    -     -     -     54.—  

Dec"^      *'      do    -     -     -     93.95 

.1397.89 
Interest  on  the  above 

sums       .     -     -     -     76.81 

1474.70 
1820 
May  22  To  balance  to 

New  Ace*.  -     -     -     7738.10  

9212.80  9212.80 


152  City  Document  No.  128. 

N°.  4. 

Statement  exhibiting  the  Amount  of  Debts  now  due  from  the 
Town  of  Boston ;  the  Amount  which  will  Accrue  for  Expendi- 
tures the  Year  ensuing,  the  Amount  to  be  received  from  the 
various  sources  of  revenue  enumerated,  and  the  amount  to  be 
Assessed  upon  the  Inhabitants  to  meet  and  pay  the  balance. — 

Amount  now  due  T'.  Statement  N*'  3  14377.1 
d°.       required    by   the   Board   of 

Selectmen     -     _     -     _     .  56445. — 
d".       required    by    the    School 

Committee 28000. 

d°.       required    by   the   Board    of 

Overseers  of  the  Poor     -  30000. 
d°.       required    by   the    Board   of 

Health 9000. 

d°.       required     by    the     Primary 

School 8000. 

d°.       required  for  State  Tax    -     -  22061.33 

d°.              "          "  County  Tax      -  20000.— 
d°.       Probable  expence  of  a  New 

School  House    -     -     -     -  loOOO.— 

$197,883.34 


[357.]  Amount  of  Balance  in  the  Treasuiy  -  -  45,170.76 
Rents  of  Market,  Town  House  &c  -  -  16,000. — 
Outstanding  taxes  estimated     -     -     -     -  1500. — 


62,670.76 


Balance  to  be  raised  as  follows  :  — 
Amount  assessed  by  State 

for  State  Tax      -     -     -         22,061.33 
Amount  assessed  by  State 

for  County  Tax    -     -     -         20,000.— 
Amount  assessed  by  Town 

for  Town  Tax      .     .     .        93,151.25 


135,212.58 

$197,883.34 

The  Committee  therefore  recommend  that  a  Tax  of  One  hun- 
dred &  four  thousand  Dollars,  be  levied  to  pay  the  Current 
expenses  of  the  Year,  which  amount  includes  a  sum  of  ten 
thousand  Dollars  as  a  provision  to  meet  the  probable  Amount  of 
abatements  of  taxes. — 

Submitted  by  order  of  the  Committee  of  Finance. 

Eliphalet  Williams,  Chairman. 
Selectmens  Room  May  24,  1820. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.  153 

The  foregoing  Report  was  Read  and  Accepted.  — And  Voted. 
That  the  sum  cf  One  hundred  &  four  thousand  dollars  be  raised 
by  a  tax,  to  be  Assessed  upon  the  Polls  and  Estates  of  the  Inhab- 
itants of  the  Town  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  Town  the  pres- 
ent Year.  — 

Upon  the  representation  &  exhibition  of  the  doings  &  pro- 
ceedings of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq"^.  Treasurer  &  Collector  of 
taxes  of  the  Town  of  Boston  the  last  year. 

Voted.  That  the  Town  of  Boston  approve  of  the  conduct  of 
said  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq'',  in  the  said  offices  of  Treasurer  and 
Collector,  and  that  he  has  faithfully  &  fully  as  was  in  his  power 
completed  the  execution  of  his  duty  in  said  Offices,  to  which  he 
has  been  appointed  as  aforesaid,  and  that  he  be  excused  from  all 
delinquency  or  default  in  not  having  effected  the  full  and  com- 
plete settlement  of  the  taxes,  by  him  to  have  been  received  or  col- 
lected according  to  Law,  — 

[258.]  Voted.  That  the  Town  Treasurer,  be  authorized  to 
borrow  with  the  approbation  of  the  Committee  of  Finance,  a  Sum 
not  exceeding  Seventy  Thousand  Dollars  :  if  the  same  should  be 
found  necessary  for  the  service  of  the  Town. 

Voted.  That  the  sum  of  eight  thousand  dollars  appropriated 
for  primary  Schools,  be  augmented  to  Eight  thousand  five  hun- 
dred the  present  Year.  — 

The  Selectmen  in  conformity  to  a  Law  of  this  Commonwealth, 
laid  before  the  Town  a  list  of  persons  they  had  Selected  to  serve 
as  Grand  and  Traverse  Jurors  at  the  Courts  of  this  State,  and  at 
the  United  States  Courts. — The  Report  of  the  Selectmen  was 
considered,  and  it  was  Voted,  That  the  Town  confirm  their 
doings,  — 

David  W.  Child  Esq',  was  chosen  to  fill  the  vacancy  at  the 
Board  of  Selectmen,  occasioned  by  the  death  of  Hon  Benjamin 
Austin. 

A  Report  from  the  Committee  of  Primary  Schools  was  read 
and  referred  to  the  School  Committee,  to  consider  &  report 
thereon  at  the  adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  subject  of  uniting 
the  offices  of  Town  &  County  Treasurers,  requested  further  time 
to  report  on  that  subject,  which  was  granted. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  &  paid  unto  Hon.  Thomas  Dawes, 
the  sum  of  Seven  hundred  &  fifty  dollars  for  his  Salary  as  Judge 
of  the  Municipal  Court  the  present  Year.  — 


154  City  Document  No.  128. 

[259.]  Voted  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Thomas 
Clark,  Town  Clerk,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars  as  his  sal- 
ary the  present  Year. 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  each  of  the  perma- 
nent Assessors,  the  sum  of  one  thousand  dollars,  as  their  Salary 
for  the  present  Year.  — 

The  Subject  of  a  Salary  for  the  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector 
was  referred  to  the  adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

The  Subject  of  leasing  the  upper  stories  of  the  old  State 
House  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Massachusetts  was  again  brought 
before  the  Town  and  after  debate  was  referred  to  the  adjourn- 
ment ;  notice  thereof  to  be  given  in  the  Public  Papers.  — 

Adjourned  to  Thursday  22"^^.  Instant  10  "Clock  A.M. 

Thursday  June  22"*^.  1820  — 

The  Town  met  according  to  Adjournment  at  10  °Clock  A.M. 

The  Application  of  Joseph  Stone  &  Others,  "  That  the  Town 
would  grant  a  sum  of  money  towards  defraying  the  expense  of 
removing  the  Gun  House  from  Copps  Hill  &  rebuilding  the  same 
for  the  accommodation  of  the  Artillery  &  Infantry  companies  " 
was  read  &  Committed  to. 

Eliphalet  Williams  Benjamin  AVhitman 

Joseph  E.  Smith  Thomas  Badger  and 

Henry  J.  Oliver  Esq'®,  to  consider  the  subject  and  [260] 
Report  at  this  Meeting. 

The  Committee  informed  the  Town,  that  they  were  not  ready  to 
report  at  this  Meeting. 
They  requested  further  time  ;  which  was  granted. 

The  Committee  of  Finance  to  whom  was  referred  the  subject  of 
uniting  the  offices  of  Town  &  County  Treasurer  Report.  — That 
in  their  opinion  the  two  offices  may  be  united,  and  the  duties  per- 
formed by  one  person ;  They  therefore  recommend  that  a  com- 
mittee be  chosen  by  the  Town,  to  apply  to  the  Legislature,  to 
obtain  such  an  alteration  in  the  Law  relating  to  the  Election  & 
Duties  of  the  County  Treasurer,  as  may  be  necessary  to  effect  a 
junction  of  the  offices  in  one  person.  — 

Submitted  P'.  Order, 

Eliphalet  Williams  Chairman. 
Selectmens  Room  June  16"\  1820. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  accepted  and  the  Select- 
men were  chosen  a  Committee  to  apply  to  the  Legislature  for 
such  alterations  in  the  Law,  as  may  be  necessary  to  effect  the 
object  of  the  Report. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.  155 

The  following  Keport  was  laid  before  the  Town  by  the  Chair- 
man of  the  Committee  of  Finance.  — Viz*. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Finance,  at  the  Selectmens 
Room  June  13*^.  1820. 

Voted.  That  the  sum  of  Twenty  five  hundred  dollars  per 
Annum  be  allowed  to  the  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector  for  the 
performance  of  the  duties  of  those  otflces  ;  which  sum  is  to  in- 
clude all  the  expenses  of  office,  contained  in  the  Accounts  of  the 
Treasurer  &  Collector  of  the  last  Year,  and  paid  by  him. 

[361.]  Voted,  that  the  Chairman  prepare  a  report  of  the 
proceedings  of  the  Board  on  this  subject,  and  present  the  same  at 
the  next  Town  Meeting.  — 

Eliphalet  Williams,  Chairman  per  Order. 
Selectmens  Room  June  13  '\  1820. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  &  upon  motion  it  was  voted, 
that  the  sum  of  two  thousand,  five  hvmdred  dollars,  be  allowed  & 
paid  into  the  Town  Treasvu-er  and  Collector,  for  the  ensuing  Year, 
for  his  Salary,  for  Clerk  hire,  expenses  of  Office,  and  pay  of  his 
Deputies.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Town  will  Lease  to  the  Grand  Lodge  of  Massa- 
chusetts, all  the  rooms,  above  the  lower  story  in  the  Old  State 
House,  except  the  two  rooms,  on  Cornhill,  for  the  sum  of  Six 
hundred  dollars  per  Annum,  and  upon  such  conditions  as  may 
be  agreed  upon  by  said  Grand  Lodge  &  the  Selectmen  of  the 
Town. 

The  School  Committee  to  whom  was  referred,  the  Report  from 
the  Committee  of  Primary  Schools.  —  Have  given  the  Subject 
such  consideration  as  the  time  allowed  them  would  permit.  — 
they  ask  for  further  time  to  consider  the  subject,  with  liberty  to 
report  at  some  future  Meeting  of  the  Town. 

Submitted  by  Order.  —  Eliphalet  Williams,  Chairman. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  Read  &  Accepted,  and  further  time 
was  allowed  to  the  Committee  agreeably  to  their  request.  — 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  presented  to  Stephen 
Codman  Esq"",  for  his  able,  faithful  &  impartial  Services  as  Mod- 
erator of  this  Meeting.  — 

The  Meeting  was  then  Dissolved. 

Attest.  Tho.  Clark  Town  Clerk.  — 


156  City  Document  No.  128. 

[363.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  Other  Inhabitaats 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Tuesday  the  4"^ 
day  of  July  A.D.  1820  —  9  °Clock  A.M. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting.  —  Read.  — 

Thomas  Clark,  was  chosen,   Moderator. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  last  Year,  to  make  choice  of  a 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  Anniversary  of  Indepen- 
dence, Reported,  That  they  had  chosen  Theodore  Lyman  Jun^. 
Esq"",  who  had  Accepted  the  Appointment. 

Adjourned  to  the  Old  South  Church,  to  meet  at  12  "Clock  M. 

Met  at  the  Old  South  according  to  adjournment  where  an  Ora- 
tion was  delivered  by  Theodore  Lyman  Jun'^'.  Esq',  to  commemo- 
rate the  Independence  of  the 

United  States  of  America. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  appointed  a  Com- 
mittee to  wait  on  Theodore  Lyman  Jun'^.  Esq',  in  the  name  of  the 
Town,  and  thank  him  for  the  elegant  &  spirited  oration  this  day 
delivered  by  him  at  the  request  of  the  Town,  upon  the  Anniver- 
sary of  American  Independence  wherein  were  considered  the  feel- 
ings, manners  &  principles  which  produced  the  great  National 
event,  and  the  important  &  happy  effects,  general  &  domestic, 
which  have  already,  or  will  forever  flow,  from  that  auspicious 
epoch  and  to  request  of  him  a  copy,  for  the  press. 

[363.]  Voted,  That  the  Gentlemen,  Selectmen  be  &  hereby 
are  appointed,  a  Committee  to  apply  to  some  able  and  learned 
gentleman  to  deliver  an  oration,  on  the  4*^.  of  July  1821.  — that 
day  being  the  anniversary  of  the  Independence  of  the  United 
States  of  America ;  wherein  the  Orator  is  to  consider  the  feelings, 
manners  and  principles,  which  led  to  this  great  National  event, 
as  well  as  the  important  and  happy  effects,  which  have  already  or 
will  forever  flow  from  that  Auspicious  Epoch. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 


[364.]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  2VK  day  of 
August  A.D.  1820.  10  «Clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev  :  Doct'.  Baldwin. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  Read 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.  157 

The  Act  of  the  Legislature  of  the  Commonwealth  for  Calling 
the  Meeting,  read,  also  an  extract  from  a  Law  regulating  Elec- 
tions, was  read. — 

The  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  stated  the  question  before  the 
Town,  to  be  this.  — 

"Is  it  expedient  that  Delegates  should  be  chosen  to  meet  in 
Convention  for  the  purpose  of  revising  or  altering  the  Constitu- 
tion of  Government,  of  this  Commonwealth."  and  requested  all 
those  in  favor  of  calling  a  Convention,  to  bring  in  a  written  ballot. 
Yes  :  and  all  those  opposed  to  the  measure,  a  written  ballot, 
JVo. 

Voted,  That  the  Poll  be  Closed  at  2  °Clock. 

Upon  the  close  of  the  Poll,  it  appeared  that  there  were  One 
thousand  &  twenty  nine  Yeas,  and  Fifty  Nays. 

A  Return  was  signed  and  directed  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Com- 
monwealth, as  the  Act  directs.  — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 

Attest,  Tho  :  Clark,  Town  Clerk.  — 


[265.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  held  by 
adjournment  at  the  Selectmens  Room  June  13"\  1820. 

Present,  the  Chairman,  Mess'^  Billings,  Child,  Fennelly  Fitch, 
Babcock,  Baxter  and  Wells,  of  the  Selectmen.  Mess'^  Coolidge, 
Webster,  May,  E.  Phillips  &  Hall  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
and  Mess""^  Whitman,  Welch,  Bass,  Thayer,  Homes  &  Bordman 
of  the  Board  of  Health. 

Voted,  That  the  Board  proceed  to  elect  by  ballot  a  Town  Treas- 
urer &  Collector,  for  the  Year  ensuing  &  that  Mess"^^.  Welch  & 
May,  collect,  count  &  sort  the  Votes. 

The  Committee  reported  that  they  had  attended  the  service 
assigned  them,  and  that  the  whole  number  of  votes  was  nineteen, 
and  that  they  were  all  for  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq"",  who  accord- 
ingly was  declared  to  be  unanimously  chosen. 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  of  three,  be  chosen  by  ballot  to  wait 
upon  M"^.  Sigourney  to  inform  him  that  the  board  had  unani- 
mously elected  him  Town  Treasurer  and  Collector  for  the  Year 
ensuing ;  the  sum  fixed  as  a  Salary  for  the  performance  of  the 
duties  of  those  Offices,   &  to  require  of   him  the  names  of  the 


158  City  Document  No,  128. 

gentlemen,  whom  he  proposes,  to  give  as  his  Bondsmen  on  his 
acceptance  of  the  Offices,  and  report  at  the  adjournment  of  this 

Meeting.  — 

Voted,  That  the  former  Committee,  collect,  count,  &  Sort  the 
Votes.  —  The  Committee  reported  the  whole  number  of  Votes  to 
be  eighteen  &  that  the  majority  was  for  Mess"^*.  Whitman,  Web- 
ster, &  Wells,  who  were  declared  to  be  elected.  — 

[366.]  Docf.  Webster  requested  to  be  excused  from  the 
service  which  was  granted  and  M'.  Chairman  was  added  to  the 
Committee. 

A  true  Copy  from  the  proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Fin- 
ance. — 

Attest  The  :  Clark,  Town  Clerk.  — 

At  a  Meeting,  in  Convention,  of  the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of 
the  Poor,  and  board  of  Health,  at  the  Selectmens  Room  July  28*^^ 
1820.— 

Present,  M"^  Chairman,  Babcock,  Billings,  Wells,  Loring,  Child 
&  Fennelly  of  the  Selectmen,  Mess^^  Perkins,  Mackay,  Snelling, 
Coolidge,  May,  Bass,  Webster  &  Hall  of  the  Overseers,  and 
Mess""^.  Whitman,  Homes,  Bradlee,  Davis,  Carver,  Thayer,  Tiles, 
ston,  Otis,  Bordman,  Welch  &  Jackson  of  the  Board  of  Health.  — 

S.  A.  Wells  was  chosen  Secretary.  — 

The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  chosen  at  the  Meeting  (of  the 
Committee  of  Finance)  of  the  13*^  June  to  wait  upon  the  Town 
Treasurer  and  Collector  and  inform  him  of  his  appointment  to 
these  Offices,  Reported,  that  they  called  at  the  Treasure i-s 
Office  for  the  above  purpose  and  were  informed  by  his  Clerk, 
that  the  Treasurer  was  absent  from  Town  and  would  be  absent 
many  days ;  That  on  return  of  the  Treasurer,  he  waited  upon  & 
informed  him  that  he  had  been  unanimously  chosen  Treasurer  & 
Collector  for  the  Year  ensuing. — M"".  Sigourney  replied  that 
he  declined  accepting  the  Offices,  and  was  ready  to  deliver  up 
the  books  &  papers  to  any  person  or  persons  duly  authorized 
to  receive  them.  — It  was  then  moved  by  M"^.  Whitman  ;  "That 
the  Convention  now  proceed  to  make  choice  of  a  [267]  Treas- 
urer &  Collector  for  the  Year  ensuing."  which  being  put,  after 
some  debate  passed  in  the  negative.  — 

On  motion  of  M'.  Coolidge  Wednesday  next  10  ''Clock  A.M. 
was  assigned  for  the  Choosing  of  a  Town  Treasurer  and  Collector 
for  the  Year  ensuing  —  It  was  Voted,  that  the  Secretary  be 
requested  to  insert  in  the  several  newspapers,  the  Vote  of  this 
Convention  relative  to  a  choice  of  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector. 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1820.  159 

The  Committee  chosen  to  examine  the  Books  and  to  adopt  some 
mode  relating  to  the  disposition  of  the  money  of  the  Town  in  the 
hands  of  the  Treasurer  &c.  were  requested  to  report  at  the 
adjournment. 

Voted,  That  all  legal  Meetings  of  the  Convention  must  be 
composed  of  a  Majority  of  the  members  of  each  Board. 

The  meeting  was  adjourned  to  Wednesday  next.  — 

At  an  Adjourned  Meeting  of  the  Convention,  consisting,  of 
the  Selectmen,  Overseers  of  the  Poor,  and  Board  of  Health  at 
the  Selectmens  Room  August  2"*^.  1820.  Present  M*^.  Chairman, 
Child,  Billings,  Loring,  B"'ennelly,  Babcock,  Wells,  Webster, 
Perkins,  Snelling,  Hall,  May,  Bass,  Coolidge,  Mackay,  Whit- 
man, Thaj^er,  Bordman,  Bradlee,  Carver,  Welch,  Jackson,  Wil- 
kinson, Otis,  Tileston,  Davis,  Homes. —  The  Meeting  being 
called  to  order. —  The  Chairman  laid  before  the  Convention 
Applications  of  the  following  persons  for  the  Offices  of  Town 
Treasurer  &  Collector. —  Viz^  Peter  Coffin,  Gamaliel  Bradford, 
Andrew  C.  Dorr,  John  Pickens  J'^.  Daniel  Munroe  J"".  Charles 
Hammatt,  Samuel  Norwood,  Turner  Phillips  and  Bryant  P. 
Tilden. —  Whereupon  it  was  —  Voted,  That,  [368]  the  Con- 
vention proceed  by  ballot  for  selection  of  Candidates  for  Town 
Treasurer,  and  that  the  three  candidates  having  the  highest 
number  of  Votes,  shall  be  the  candidates  Voted  for  at  a  Second 
trial  for  that  office. 

Voted,  that  a  Committee  be  chosen  to  collect,  sort  and  count 
the  votes  and  Mess^'®.  Welch,  May  &  Loring  were  chosen. —  This 
Committee  reported,  that  they  had  attended  to  the  duty,  and 
that  the  whole  number  of  Votes  was  twenty  seven,  of  which 
Turner  Phillips  had  13.  Bryant  P.  Tilden  8.  Samuel  A.  Wells  2. 
E.  Williams  1.  A.  C.  Dorr  1,  John  Pickens  1.  Charles  Hammat 
1.  The  Three  highest  candidates  being  the  first  named  were  to 
be  voted  for  at  the  next  trial,  whereupon  S.  A.  Wells  declined 
being  considered  a  candidate. — -The  Committee  then  proceeded  to 
collect  the  votes,  who  retired  and  reported  the  whole  number  to  be 
27. —  of  which  Turner  Phillips  had  sixteen  &  Bryant  P.  Tilden 
eleven,  whereupon  M"".  Phillips  was  declared  to  have  heen  chosen. — 

Voted,  That  the  Convention  now  proceed  to  elect  by  ballot  a 
Collector  for  the  Year  ensuing  and  the  same  Committee  was 
chosen  to  collect,  sort  &  count  the  votes  ;  who  reported  the  whole 
number  to  be  twenty  seven  and  that  all  were  for  Turner  Phillips  — 

Voted,  That  the  same  Committee  be  requested  to  wait  on 
Turner  Phillips  and  inform  him  that  he  had  been  chosen  Town 
Treasurer  &  Collector  for  the  Year  ensuing  and  to  require  the 
names  of  his  bondsmen. 

The  Committee  reported  that  they  had  attended  to  the  Service  ; 
that  M'^.  Phillips  declared  his  acceptance  of  the  offices,  &  pro- 
posed Jonathan  Hunuewell  and  Ebenezer  T.  Andrews  as  his 
bondsmen. 


160  City  Document  No.  128. 

[269.]  Voted,  That  the  same  Committee  Ibe  requested  to 
retire  and  report,  whether  in  their  opinion  the  Bondsmen  offered 
by  M*".  Philhps  were  good  and  sufficient  sureties. — 

The  Committee  reported  that  the  Bondsmen  were  good  and 
sufficient,  which  report  was  Accepted. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Clerk  be  directed  to  make  a  record  of 
the  proceedings  of  this  Convention  in  the  Town  Records  kept  by 
him.  According  to  Law. — 

Voted,  that  the  vote  passed  at  the  last  Meeting  relating  to  the 
number  that  is  necessary  to  do  business  shall  be  amended  to 
read  as  follows. — 

Voted,  that  all  legal  Meetings  of  the  Convention  and  adjourn- 
ments of  the  same,  must  be  composed  of  a  Majority  of  the 
members  of  each  board.  — 

Voted,  that  the  Convention  now  resolve  itself  into  a  Com- 
mittee of  Finance.  — 

Attest  S.  A.  Wells  Sec^. 

A   true   record   of   the   Proceedings   of   the  Convention 

Attest 

Tho:  Clark,  Town  Clerk  — 


[3 'TO.]  At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhab- 
itants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  qualified  to  vote  for  Representa- 
tives to  the  General  Court  of  the  Commonwealth  held  at  Faneuil 
Hall  on  Monday  the  IG*'^.  day.  of  October  A.D.  1820.  9  °Clock 
A.M. 

Prayer  by  the  Rev**.  M'".  D wight. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  Read  — 

This  Meeting  was  called  in  conformity  to  an  Act  of  the  Legis- 
lature, and  a  proclamation  by  the  Governor  of  the  Common- 
wealth, for  the  purpose  of  Choosing  one  or  more  Delegates,  to 
meet  Delegates,  from  the  Other  Towns  in  Convention  at  the 
State  House,  in  Boston,  on  the  third  Wednesday  of  November 
next,  to  take  into  consideration  the  propriety  and  expediency  of 
making  any  (and  if  any  what)  alterations  or  amendments  in  the 
present  Constitution  of  Government  of  the  Commonwealth.  — 

The  ChaiiTuan  of  the  Selectmen  having  read  the  Governors 
Proclamation  ;  stated  to  the  Inhabitants,  that  by  a  return  of  the 
rateable  Polls,  made  by  the  Assessors,  the  Town  was  entitled  to 
send  forty  eight  Representatives  to  the  General  Court  of  this 
Commonwealth.     Whereupon    a   Motion  was  made  &  seconded 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820. 


161 


that  the  Town  proceed  to  elect  Forty  five  Delegates  to  represent 
the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town,  in  the  Convention  to  be  held  in 
November  next,  which  Motion  being  pnt  by  the  Chairman,  passed 
unanimously  in  the  affirmative.  It  was  then  voted  to  close  the 
Poll  at  1  °Clock,  P.M. 


[371.]     The  Votes  having  been  received,  sorted  &  counted, 
it  appeared  that  the  following  (forty  five)  named  gentlemen  had 
the  number  of  Votes  set  against  their  respective  names,  and  were 
declared  to  be  chosen  —  viz*. 
His  Honor  William  Phil- 
lips       1503 

Hon.  Isaac  Parker      -     -  1285 

"  Thomas  Dawes    -     -  1665 

"  Daniel  Davis        -     -  1078 

"  Artemas  Ward  -  -  1090 
Rev.  James  Freeman  -  -  1081 
Hon.  Josiah  Quincy    -     -  1049 

"  John  Welles    -     -     -  1090 

"  Jonathan  Hunewell  -  1654 
Thomas  Melville  Escf .  -  1074 
Bedford  Webster  Esq^  -  1074 
Hon.  Daniel  Webster  -  -  1223 
Benjamin  Russell  Esq"".  -  1585 
Warren  Dutton  Esq^  -  1072 
John  Cotton  Esq*'.  -  -  1054 
Joseph  Tilden  Esq^  -  -  1089 
William  Harris  Esq^  -  -  1623 
Rev.  Paul  Dean-  -  -  1638 
James  T  Austin  Esq^  -  1644 
James  Savage  Esq"^.  -  -  1058 
Rev.  Henry  Ware  -  -  -  1073 
Samuel  A.  Wells  Esq^  -  1208 
George  Bond      -     -         -     969 

Votes   given  for  the  following  persons,  who  did  not  obtain  a 
Majority  viz*.  William  Phillips 191* 


Hon.  William  Gray    - 
Hon.  Charles  Jackson 
"  John  Davis     -     - 
"  William  Prescott 
James  Prince  Esq"".     - 
Hon.  John  Phillips 
"  Peter  C.  Brooks  - 
"  Israel  Thorndike 
Rev.  Thomas  Baldwin 
Hon.  WilUam  Sullivan 
George  Blake  Esq^    - 
John  T.  Apthorp  Esq''. 
Daniel  Mes singer  Esq'^' 
Joseph  Coolidge  Esq. 
Lemuel  Shaw  Esq"".     - 
Doct'^.  John  C  Warren 
Samuel  Hubbard  Esq'", 
Eliphalet  Williams  Esq'' 
William  Sturgis  Esq''. 
Heman  Lincoln      -     - 
NathanHale  Esq"". 
Lynde  Walter  -     -     - 


1682 
1091 
1083 
1096 
1087 
1689 
1095 
1050 
1652 
1535 
1658 
1066 
1630 
1058 
1084 
1078 
1077 
1640 
1055 
1613 
1039 
1573 


Isaac  Parker 
Hon.  Henry  Dearborn  -  -  608 
[273]  Amos  Binney  Esq'.  599 
Benjamin  Whitman  Esq'.  591 
Benjamin  Rich  Esq'.  -  -  608 
Daniel  Baxter  Esq'.  -  -  604 
Docf.  W^.  Ingalls  -  -  597 
Hon.  Jonathan  Mason  -  574 
William  Foster  Jun'.  -  -  579 
Joseph  Hall  Esq'.  -  -  -  602 
Stephen  Codman  Esq'.  -  576 
John  P.  Rice       -     -     -     -  579 

Giles  Lodge 560 

Thomas  B.  Wait     -     -     -  589 


193* 

Rev'^.  William  Jenks  -  -  595 

Samuel  H.  Walley  Esq'.  -  602 

WilHam  Little  Esq'.  -  -  602 

S  L  Knapp  Esq'      -  -  -  593 

David  Sears  Esq'.  -  -  -  597 

John  Bellows       -     -  -  -  567 

Rev.  Daniel  Sharp  -  -  -  594 

Col  Thomas  Badger  -  -  600 

Col  Thad^  Page  -     -  -  -  584 

George  Hallet    -     -  -  -  603 

Joseph  Jenkins  -     -  -  -  577 

Rev.  Hosea  Ballou  -  -  -  579 

Davis  C,  Ballard     -  -  -  593 


162 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Thomas  K.  Thomas      -     -  566 

Samuel  Billings  -     -     -     -  19 

John  Lowell 9 

Horace  Bean       -     -     _     _  7 

John  Brazer 6 

Joslah  Rains  ford     -     .     .  5 

Tho^  Wigglesworth     -     -  5 

Francis  J.  OUver     -     -     -  5 

John  Gallison     .     -     _     _  4 

Nathan  Webb     -     -     .     .  4 

Rev  J  G  Palfrey      -     -     .  4 

Wilham  Donnison    -     -     .  4 

Jon'^.  Amor}^       ....  3 

Thomas  Jackson      -     -     _  3 

John  Bryant 3 

William  B.  Bradford    -     -  3 

Henry  Orne 3 

Thomas  L.  Winthrop  -     -  3 

Martin  Brimmer      -     .     .  3 

William  R.  Gray     -     -     -  3 

Isaac  Winslow    -     -     -     .  16 

Aaron  Dexter     -     _     _     _  8 

Samuel  Brown    -     -     -     -  7 

Rich'i.  D.  Tucker     -     -     .  6 

D'.  James  Jackson       -     .  5 

Benjamin  West  -     -     -     .  5 

Josiah  C.  Rainsford     -     -  5 

Simon  Wilkinson     -     -     .  4 

Rev  Asa  Eaton  -     .     -     .  4 

Geoi-ge  Sullivan       -     -     .  4 

[273]  Turner  Phillips     -  2 

Reuben  Carver  -     -     -     .  2 

J.  Fi'othingham  -     -     -     -  2 

James  Ridgway  -     -     -     .  2 

J.  C.  Jones    -     -     -     .     _  2 

Jesse  Putnam      -     -     -     _  2 

W'"  Channing     -     -     .     .  2 

J.  C,  Merrill       -     .     .     .  2 

W"  D.  Sohier     -     -     .     .  2 

Thomas  Kendall      -     -     -  2 

William  Minot    -     -     .     .  2 

Jos   Salisbury     -     -     _     .  2 

Edward  Tuckerman      -     -  2 

S.  D.  Parker      -     -     .     .  2 

George  G.  Channing    -     -  1 

Samuel  Hastings      -     -     .  l 

Isaac  Stevens     -     -     .     .  2 

S.  A.  Shed 2 

Joseph  May 1 

John  Baker 1 


Right  Rev  John   Chever 

H.  G.  Otis     -     -     -  . 

Peter  O.  Thacher    -  - 

Tho^  K.  Jones  -     -  - 

Elbridge  Gerry  -     -  . 

Sam'.  Snelling    -     -  - 

David  Townsend      -  - 

Edward  Jones     -     -  . 

Augustus  Peabody  -  - 

David  Henshaw  ■     -  - 

Charles  Hood      -     -  . 

Rev^.  John  Pierpont  - 
Rev  Charles  Lowell 

William  Gray     -     -  _ 

Sereno  E.  Dwight   -  - 

Aaron  Hill     -     _     .  . 

Arnold  Welles    -     -  - 

Eben''.  Francis    -     _  . 

Israel  Munson    -     -  . 

Asa  Whitney      -     -  . 
Rev  W™  E.  Channing  - 

Joseph  Austin    -     -  - 

Daniel  Carney    -     .  _ 
Leach  Harris      ... 

James  Perkins    -     -  . 

Francis  Bassett  -     .  - 

Benj*.  Rand  -     -     -  . 

D.  W.  Child  -     -     -  . 

John  Richards    -     -  - 

Benj^.  Huntington  -  - 

William  Thurston  -  - 

Sam'.  Soley  -     -  _  . 

Sam'.  McClary  -  -  - 

Thomas  Eaton    -  -  - 

Henry  Bass    -     -  .  . 

Horace  Gray       .  _  _ 

Tho^  Parsons-   -  .  . 

Elijah  Williams  -  -  - 

J.  P.  Boyd     -     -  .  . 

Rev  Francis  Parkman  - 

E.  Cushing    -     _  _  . 

Tho^.  Savage      -  -  - 

S.  K.  Williams  -  -  - 

William  Jackson  -  - 

Jon*^.  Symonds  -  -  - 

David  Hale    -     -  .  . 

James  S.  Lovel  -  -  -     , 

Ab">  H.  Quincy  -  -  .     . 

Jacob  Sternes     -  -  .     . 


us  410 

-  3 

-  3 

-  3 

-  3 
3 

-  4 

-  3 

-  3 

-  2 

-  10 


5  & 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820. 


163 


William  Gale      -     -     -     - 

Roland  Hartshorn    -     -     - 

2 

Isaac  Harris 

Daniel  Sargent  -     -     -     - 

2 

Francis  C.  Gray      -     -     - 

Josiah  Marshall       _     -     - 

2 

Patrick  Jackson       -     -     - 

William  Cochran     -     -     - 

2 

Thomas  Dennie  -     -     -     - 

J.  K.  Simpson    -     -     -     . 

2 

Ab  Babcock 

Jacob  Hall     ----- 

2 

Tho®  Howe 

Thomas  Motley  -     -     -     - 

2 

A  W  Fuller 

H.  J.  Oliver       -     -     -     - 

2 

Nath  Goddard    -     -     -     - 

B.  P.  Tilden       -     -     -     _ 

2 

Theoi/.  Parsons      -     -     - 

Thomas  Davis    .     -     -     - 

Zeb  Cook  J^      -     .     -     - 

D.  E.  Powers     -     .     -     . 

Henry  Hall 

Zeal  Shidmore    -     -     -     - 

Joseph  Adams    -     -     -     - 

Joseph  Balch      -     -     -     - 

Patrick  T  Jackson  -     -     - 

2 

Alden  Bradford  -     .     -     - 

Fitch  Tufts 

2 

Henry  Purkitt     -     -     -     - 

Edmund  Wright       -     -     - 

2 

Jon**^.  Chapman  -     -     -     - 

Darius  Boardman    -     -     - 

2 

Elijah  Morse       -     -     -     - 

Gerry  Fairbanks      -     -     - 

2 

Sam^  H.  Howe    -     -     .     - 

Caleb  Loring      -     -     -     - 

2 

John  Belknap     -     -     -     - 

Benj^  Wells 

2 

EHjah  Loring      .     -     -     - 

Daniel  Adams     -     -     -     - 

3 

Amos  Fitch 

J.  S.  J.  Gardner     -     -     - 

2 

George  Burroughs  -     -     - 

H.  H.  Fuller       -     -     -     - 

2 

Samuel  Adams    -     -     -     - 

J.  D.  Harris 

2 

S.  P.  Gardner     -     -     -     - 

E.  Ticknor 

2 

T.  Barnard 

Phineas  Upham  -     -     -     - 

2 

Dani.  Tuttle 

Win^,  Lewis 

2 

Willard  Phillips       -     -     - 

Robert  Fennelly      -     -     - 

Thad«.  Clap 

Is  Cook    - 

J.  F.  Boardman       -     -     - 

Josiah  Knapp     -     -     -     - 

[274]  Samuel  Dorr    -     - 

Barz*  Homes       -     -     -     - 

G.  W.  Otis 

Lemuel  Packard      .     -     - 

Thomas  Vose      -     -     -     - 

George  Cabot     -     -     -     - 

Nath^.  Curtis      -     -     -     - 

Timothy  Bigelow     -     -     - 

Sam^  Hichborn  -     -     .     - 

John  D.  Williams    -     -     - 

W.  J.  Spooner   -     -     -     - 

John  Hurd 

J.  G.  Coffin 

Samuel  Danforth     -     -     - 

H.  K.  May 

Joseph  Head       -     -     -     - 

Nathi.  Willis      -     -     -     - 

Jon^.  Whitney   -     -     -     - 

Nehe^  Parsons    -     -     -     - 

Jon^.  Loring       -     -     -     - 

William  Foster  -     -     -     - 

Jacob  Bigelow    -     -     -     - 

William  Brown  -     -     -     - 

Joseph  Balch      -     -     -     - 

Joseph  Bradlee  -     .     -     - 

James  Robinson      -     -     - 

Matthew  Lodge  -     -     -     - 

Tho :  Minns 

The°.  Lyman  Jun''.        -     - 

Gardner  Green  -     -     -     - 

Benja.  Joy 

Jer^  Evarts 

George  Brinley  -     -     -     - 

James  Lloyd.       .     -     -     - 

Joseph  Eaton     -     .     -     - 

John  Pratt 

Era  Barrett 

Henry  Lee 

Sam^  Parkman  -     -     -     - 

James  Andrews  -     -     -     - 

164  City  Document  No.  128. 

Benj^  Smith 1      Thomas  Bradlee      ...  1 

John  Randall      -     -     -     -       1      William  Shimmin     -     -     -  1 

John  Callender  -     -     -     -       1      Tho«  Ward 1 


N,  B.     The  whole  number  of  Tickets  given  in 

was  1708 


necessary  to  make  a  choice  —  855 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 

Attest,  Tho  :  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 


[375.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston  qualified  to  vote  for  Representatives 
to  the  General  Court  of  the  Commonwealth  held  at  Faneuil  Hall 
on  Monday  the  2S^^.  day  of  October  A.D.  1820.     10  ^Clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  Rev :  M*".  Ware 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  Read  — 

A  Precept  from  the  Governor  and  Council  directing  the  Select- 
men to  call  the  Meeting,  for  Choice  of  a  Member  of  Congress,  in 
place  of  Hon  Jonathan  Mason,  resigned,  was  also  read. — 

Voted,  That  the  Poll  be  closed  at  2  "Clock.— 

The  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  requested  the  Inhabitants  to 
prepare  and  bring  in  their  Votes  for  a  Representative  for  the 
Suffolk  District  in  the  Congress  of  the  United  States. 

Persons  voted  for  a  Representative,  for  the  Suffolk  District,  in 
the  present  Congress  of  the  United  States  Viz. — 

Hon  :  Benjamin  Gorham       --- 1618 

Samuel  A.  Wells  Esq^. 842 

Henry  Orne  Esq"". 652 

Daniel  Webster  2  Peter  C.  Brooks  l  .  .  .  .  3 
Daniel  Brown  1  Samuel  Bilhngs  l  .  .  .  -  2 
William  Blaney  1  Eben^  Clough  l  .  .  .  .  2 
David  EUis  1  William  Sturgis  1  .  .  .  .  2 
Benjamin  Gorham  for  Senator 2 

Whole  number  3123 


Boston  Town  Records,  1820.  165 

[376.]  A  return  of  the  doings  of  this  Meeting  was  made 
out,  conformably  to  the  printed  direction  of  the  General  Court ; 
—  sealed  up  in  Open  Town  Meeting,  and  directed  to  the  Secretary 
of  the  Commonwealth. — 

Declaration  of  the  State  of  the  Votes,  being  made ; 

The  Meeting  was  Dissolved. — 

Attest  Tho  :  Clark,  Town  Clerk.— 


[377.]  At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  qualified  to  Vote  for  Representatives  to  the  General 
Court,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  6^^  day  of  November 
A.  D.  1820. 

10  ^Clock,  A.  M. 

Prayer  by  Rev.  M"^.  Frothingham  — 

Warrant  for  Cahing  the  Meeting,  read. 

Resolve  of  the  General  Court,  regulating  the  Choice  of  Electors 
of  President  &  Vice  President  of  the  United  States,  read.  — Also 
a  Precept  from  the  Governor  and  Council,  directing  the  Select- 
men to  call  a  Meeting  for  choice  of  a  Member  of  Congress  in 
place  of  M"^.  Mason  resigned,  there  having  been  no  choice  at  the 
Meeting  held  on  the  23"^*^  Ultimo.  —  And  the  Law  regulating  the 
Choice  of  Representatives  to  Congress,  being  read. — 

The  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  requested  the  Inhabitants  to 
prepare  and  bring  in  their  Votes,  for  one  person  as  an  Elector  of 
President  &  Vice  President  of  the  United  States,  for  the  District 
of  Suffolk,  Also  for  Two  persons,  as  Electors  at  large.  Also  for 
one  person  as  a  Member  of  the  Sixteenth  Congress  and  for  one 
person  as  a  Member  of  the  Seventeenth  Congress  of  the  United 
States. — 

Voted,  That  the  Poll  be  closed  at  Two  "Clock 

Persons,  Voted  for  as  an  Elector  for  the  District  of  Suffolk, 
with  the  number  of  Votes  for  each  person,  viz*. 

Hon :  Daniel  Webster 3404 

Samuel  Brown         1  —  Henry  Orne            1     ....     -  2 

David  Ellis              1  —  Winslow  Lewis     2 3 

Thomas  H.  Perkins 1 

Hon  :  Henry  Dearborn  -....-------  209 


166  City  Document  No.  128. 

[378.]     Persons,  Voted,  for  as  Electors  at  large  —  viz^ 

Hon  :  William  Phillips 343^ 

"      William  Gray 3455 

"      Henry  Dearborn 1 

"      Benjamin  W.  Crowninsliield    -----     173 

"      Levi  Lincoln .....175 

Doddridge  Spear        1         S.  A.  Wells  l     -     .     .     .         2 

Winslow  Lewis  3         John  Adams  1     .     .     _     .         4, 

William  Sullivan        1         Peter  C.  Brooks      l     -     .     .     -         2 
George  Cabot  1         Joseph  Storey         1     .     -     .     .         2 

Persons  Voted  for  as  Member  of  the  Sixteenth  Congress,  viz*. 

Hon  Benj^.  Gorham _  2187 

Samuel  A.  Wells 1363 

Samuel  Hubbard      1         Jesse  Putnam         50     .     -     -     -       51 
D.  Webster  2         Louis  Lincoln  l     -     .     .     .         3 

W™.  IngaUs  1         W™.  Sturgis  3     -     -     -     -         4 

Henry  Orne  1         W"^.  Little  2     -     -     -     -         3 

Fitch  Tufts  2         Dan\  Adams  1     .     .     -     .         3 

John  Brazer  2         John  Fitch  1     .     .     .     .         3 

Samuel  Brown  2         John  Welles  l     .     .     .     .         3 

Levi  Dame  one  not  designated  — 

Persons,  Voted  for  as  a  Member  of  the  Seventeenth  Congress 
viz*.  — 

Hon  Benjamin  Gorham 2187 

Samuel  A.  Wells 1363 

Jesse  Putnam 49 

Daniel  Webster 2 

Samuel  Hubbard        1      Lewis  Lincoln  1 

William  Ingalls  1      William  Sturgis  3 

[^79]    Henry  Orne  1      William  Little  2 

Fitch  Tufts  2      Daniel  Adams  1 

John  Brazer  2      Amos  Fitch  1 

Charles  Hood  1      Samuel  Brown  2 

Winslow  Lewis  1 

Declaration  of  the  state  of  the  Votes,  was  made  and  three  sev- 
eral returns,  were  signed,  sealed  up  in  Open  Town  Meeting,  and 
directed  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth.  — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 

Attest,  Tho  :  Clark,  Town  Clerk.  — 


1831. 

[380.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  Other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  qualified  to  vote  in  Town  Affairs,  Assem- 
bled in  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  15*^^.  day  of  January  A.D. 
1821.  10  "Clock.  A.M. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  167 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting.  Read.  — 

Francis  J.  Oliver  Esq'^'.  was  Chosen  Moderator. 

The  Petition  of  Thomas  K.  Jones  and  Others.  "That  the 
Town  would  permit  them  (at  their  own  expense)  to  close  a  draw 
under  Merchants  Hall,  and  to  raise  &  pave  Water  Street  in  such 
a  manner  as  the  waste  water  may  be  conveyed  into  the  common 
sewer  in  Kilby  Street  "  was  taken  up  and  after  some  debate 
committed  to  Mess'^'^  Robert  Williams,  John  Dorr,  Joseph  W. 
Revere,  Michael  Roulstone,  Josiah  Marshall,  Benjamin  Whitman 
and  Samuel  H.  Walley  to  consider  the  subject  and  report  at  a 
future  Meeting  — 

The  Petition  of  William  Payne  and  Others  was  read  and  the 
following  Bye  Law  passed.  Viz'. 

Bye  Law. 

It  is  hereby  Ordered,  That  every  Owner  of  unoccupied  Land, 
Tenant,  or  Occupant  of  Real  Estate  situated  on  any  Street,  Lane 
or  Alley  within  the  Town  of  Boston,  where  there  is  a  foot  way 
or  side  Walk,  shall  within  twenty  four  hours  after  the  falling  of 
Snow,  cause  the  same  to  be  removed  from  the  said  Foot  Way  or 
Side  Walk,  under  the  penalty  of  Four  Dollars,  and  the  further 
sum  of  Two  Dollars  for  every  twenty  four  hours  [381]  the 
same  may  remain  after- the  first  forfeiture,  to  be  sued  for  and 
collected  from  either  the  owner  of  unoccupied  Land,  tenant  or 
Occupant  of  said  Real  Estate.  Provided  that  no  prosecution 
shall  be  made  under  this  Law,  but  by  one  of  the  Selectmen,  or 
some  person  Authorized  by  one  of  them.  And  provided  also 
that  all  fines  or  forfeitures  recovered  under  this  Law  shall  be 
paid  to  the  Treasurer  of  the  Town  of  Boston  for  the  Use  of  said 
Town.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Clerk  be  directed  to  Lay  an  attested  copy 
of  the  foregoing  Bye  Law,  before  the  Justices  of  the  Hon  Court 
of  Sessions  for  their  Approbation  and  Confirmation.  — 

Proceedings  of  the  School  Committee,  respecting  an  English 
Classical  School.  — 

In  School  Committee  June  17"\  1820. 

Voted,  That  such  of  the  Resolutions  offered  by  S.  A.  Wells  as 
relate  to  the  establishment  of  an  English  Classical  School  in  the 
Town  of  Boston,  be  referred  to  a  Sub  Committee  of  five,  and  the 
following  G-entlemen  were  Chosen.  —  M"^.  Samuel  A.  Wells, 
Rev :  John  Pierpont,  Rev :  Nath'.  L.  Frothingham,  Lemuel 
Shaw  and  Benjamin  Russell  Esq'^. 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  School  Committee  on  the  26"^  October,  the 
above  Committee  made  a  report  which  was  Read  ;  it  was  then 


168  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted,  That  it  is  expedient  to  establish  an  English  Classical 
School,  upon  the  Plan  stated  in  the  Report  in  the  Town  of  Bos- 
ton, and  that  the  further  consideration  thei'eof  be  referred  to  an 
adjourned  Meeting,  and  that  it  be  printed  for  the  Use  of  the 
members  of  the  Committee.  — 

[282.^  At  a  Meeting  of  the  School  Committee  on  the  9*^^ 
November,  1820.  the  Report  of  the  Sub-Committee  on  the  Eng- 
lish Classical  School,  having  been  printed  for  the  Use  of  the 
Board,  was  read  and  considered  by  paragraphs,  Amended,  and 
Unanimously  Accepted  as  follows 

The  Sub-Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  resolutions 
offered  to  the  School  Committee  at  a  Meeting  on  the  17*'^  June 
proposing  to  establish  an  English  Classical  School  in  the  Town 
of  Boston,  having  taken  the  subject  of  those  resolutions  into 
consideration,  and  devoted  to  it  that  attention  which  its  import- 
ance demanded.  Respectfully  ask  leave  to  Report.  — 

Though  the  present  system  of  education,  and  the  munificence 
with  which  it  is  supported  are  highly  beneficial  and  honorable  to 
the  Town,  Yet  in  the  Opinion  of  the  Committee  it  is  susceptible 
of  a  greater  degree  of  perfection  and  usefulness  without  Materially 
Augmenting  the  Weight  of  the  public  burdens.  — Till  recently 
our  system  Occupied  a  middle  Station  :  it  neither  commenced  with 
the  rudiments  of  education,  nor  extended  to  the  higher  branches 
of  knowledge.  — This  system  was  supported  by  the  town  at  a  very 
great  expense,  and  to  be  admitted  to  its  advantages,  certain 
preUminary  qualifications  were  required  at  individual  cost  which 
had  the  effect  of  excluding  many  children  of  the  poor  and  un- 
fortunate classes  of  the  community  from  the  benefits  of  a  public 
education.  The  Town  saw  &  felt  this  inconsistency  in  the  plan 
and  have  removed  the  defect,  by  providing  Schools,  in  which  the 
children  of  the  poor  can  be  fitted  for  admission  into  the  public 
seminaries. 

[383.]  The  present  system,  in  the  Opinion  of  the  Committee 
requires,  still  further  amendment. — the  studies  that  are  pursued 
at  the  English  Grammar  Schools,  are  merely  elementary,  and 
more  time  than  is  necessary  is  devoted  to  their  acquisition.  A 
Scholar  is  admitted  at  seven,  and  is  dismissed  at  fourteen  Years 
of  Age  ;  thus  seven  years  are  expended  in  the  acquisition  of  a 
degree  of  knowledge,  which  with  ordinary  diligence  and  common 
capacity,  may  be  easily  &  perfectly  acquired  in  five.  If,  then,  a 
Boy  remain  the  usual  term,  a  large  portion  of  the  time  will  have 
been  idly,  or  uselessly  expended,  as  he  may  have  learned  all  that 
he  has  been  taught  long  before  its  expiration.  This  loss  of  time 
Occurs  at  that  interesting  and  critical  period  of  life,  when  the 
habits  and  inclinations  are  forming  by  which  the  future  character 
will  be  fixed  &  determined. 

This  evil  therefore  should  be  removed,  by  enlarging  the  present 
system,  not  merely  that  the  time  now  lost  may  be  saved,  but  that 


Boston  To\yn  Records,  1821.  169 

those  early  habits  of  industry  and  application  may  be  acquired, 
which  are  so  essential  in  leading  to  a  future  life  of  Virtue  and  use- 
fullness. 

Nor  are  these  the  only  existing  evils.  The  mode  of  education 
now  adopted  and  the  branches  of  knowledge  that  are  taught  at  our 
English  Grammar  Schools,  are  not  sufficiently  extensive,  nor 
otherwise  calculated  to  bring  the  powers  of  the  niind  into  opera- 
tion, nor  to  qualify  a  youth  to  fill  usefully  and  respectably 
many  of  those  Stations,  both  public  and  private  in  which  he  may 
be  placed.  —  A  parent  who  wishes  to  give  a  Child  an  education 
that  shall  fit  him  for  Active  life,  and  shall  serve  as  a  foundation 
for  [384]  eminence  in  his  profession,  whether  Mercantile  or 
Mechanical,  is  under  the  necessity  of  giving  him  a  different  edu- 
cation from  any  which  our  public  Schools  can  now  furnish. — 
Hence  many  children  are  separated  from  their  parents,  and  sent 
to  private  academies  in  this  vicinity,  to  acquire  that  instruction 
which  cannot  be  obtained  at  the  public  seminaries.  — Thus  many 
parents  who  contribute  largely  to  the  Support  of  these  institu- 
tions, are  subjected  to  heavy  expense,  for  the  same  object  in 
other  Towns. 

The  Committee  for  these  and  many  other  weighty  considerations 
that  might  be  offered  ;  and  in  Order  to  render  the  present  system 
of  public  education  more  nearly  perfect,  are  of  Opinion  that  an 
additional  school  is  required. —  They,  therefore,  recommend  the 
founding  of  a  seminary  to  be  called  the  English  classical  School, 
and  submit  the  following  as  a  general  outline  of  a  plan  for  its 
organization  and  of  the  course  of  studies  to  be  pursued. — 

1^*.  That  the  term  of  time  for  pursuing  the  course  of  studies 
proposed  be  three  Years. — 

2n(iiy^  That  the  School  be  divided  into  three  Classes,  and  one 
Year  be  assigned  to  the  studies  of  each  Class. — 

3diy_    That  the  age  of  admission  be  not  less  than  twelve  Years. 

4thiy^  That,  the  School  be  for  Boys  exclusively. 

gthiy^  That  Candidates  for  admission  be  proposed  on  a  given 
day  annually,  but  scholars  with  suitable  qualifications 
may  be  admitted  at  any  intermediate  time  to  an  advanced 
standing. 

gthiy_  That  Candidates  for  admission  shall  be  subject  to  a  strict 
examination,  in  such  manner  as  the  School  Committee 
may  direct,  to  Ascertain  their  qualifications  [385] 
according  to  these  Rules. — 

ythiy^  -phat  it  be  required  of  every  candidate  to  qualify  him  for 
admission,  that  he  be  well  acquainted  with  reading, 
writing,  English  Grammar  in  all  its  branches,  &  Arith- 
metic as  far  as  simple  proportion. — 

gthiy^  That  it  be  required  of  the  Masters  &  Ushers,  as  a  necessary 
qualification,  that  they  shall  have  been  regularly  educated 
at  some  University. 


170  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  Studies  of  the  first  Class  to  be  as  follows. — 

Composition ; 

Reading  from  the  most  approved  Authors; — Exercises  in 
criticism,  comprising  critical  analyses  of  the  language, 
grammar  and  stile  of  the  best  English  Authors,  their 
errors  and  beauties  ;  Declamation  ; 

Geography;  Arithmetic,  continued;  Algebra. 

The  Studies  of  the  Second  Class. 

Composition ;  Reading ;  1  p     +•       /^ 

Exercises  in  Criticism  Declamation  ;  Algebra  :   j 
Ancient  &  Modern  history  &  chronology ;  Logic ;  Geometry ; 

Plane  Trigonometry,  and  its  application  to  mensuration  of 
heights  and  distances  ; 

Navigation ;  Surveying  ; 

Mensuration  of  Superficies  and  Solids  ; 

Forensic  discussions. 

The  Studies  of  the  third  Class. — 

Composition  ;  Exercises  in  Criticism  ;  Decla-   ^ 

mation ;    Mathematics ;     Logic ;      History,    >-  Continued 
particularly  that  of  the  United  States.  ) 

[286]     Natural  Philosophy,  including  Astronomy ;  Moral  & 
Political  Philosophy. 
To  conduct  a  seminary  of   this  description,  the   Committee  are 
of  Opinion,  that  one  principal  Master,  one  subm aster  and  two 
Ushers,  will  be  required  ; 

The  Principal  at  a  Salary  of  $1500  P^  A"" 

Sub  Master 1200  —  "  — 

Two  Ushers,  one  at  $700.  one 

at  $600 1300  —  "  — 


This  sum  in  the  opinion  of  the  Committee,  with  other  annual 
expenses  of  Schools,  will  be  adequate  to  the  support  of  such  an 
institution.  No  additional  building  will  be  required;  as  those 
which  are  now  built,  and  authorized  by  the  Town  to  be  built  will 
be  sufficient.  — 

The  Committee  therefore  recommend,  that  an  annual  Appro- 
priation of  this  sum,  be  obtained  from  the  Town,  and  that  a  fur- 
ther sum  be  raised  either  by  private  subscription,  or  from  public 
Munificence,  to  furnish  the  School,  with  the  necessary  instru- 
ments and  philosophical  Apparatus. — The  Committee  are  fur- 
ther of  Opinion,  that  the  expense  which  would  be  incurred,  by  the 
establishment,  of  such  an  institution,  would  be  fully  justified  by 
its  great  and  manifold  advantages  —  No  money  can  be  better 
expended,  than  that  which  is  appropriated  to  the  support  of  pub- 
lic Schools.  — If  anything  will  preserve  tranquility  and  order  in 
a  community,  perpetuate  the  blessing  of  society  and  free  govern- 
ment and  promote  the  happiness  and  prosperity  of  a  people,  it 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821. 


171 


must  be  the  general  diffusion  of  knowledge.  —  These  Salutary 
effects  the  Committee  conceive  would  flow  from  the  institution  of 
this  seminary.  —  Its  establishment,  they  tliink  would  raise  the 
literary  and  scientific  character  of  the  Town,  would  incite  our 
Youth  to  [387]  a  laudable  ambition  of  distinguishing  them- 
selves in  the  pursuit  and  acquisition  of  knowledge,  and  would 
give  strength  and  stability  to  the  civil  and  religious  institutions 
of  our  Country. 

All  of  which  is  respectfully  submitted  by  Order  of  the  Commit- 
tee. —  S.  A.  Wells,  Chairman 
Boston  Oct'  26.  1820. 

Voted  that  this  Report  with  the  proceedings  thereon  be  printed 
and  distributed  among  the  citizens  of  the  Town,  and  that  the 
Plan  of  the  School  therein  stated  be  recommended  by  this  Com- 
mittee to  the  people  for  acceptance.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  requested  to  carry  this  vote  into 
effect,  and  to  call  a  public  Meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  to  consider  and  act  thereon  at  such  time  as  they  shall  deem 
expedient. 

By  Order  of  the  School  Committee 

Eliphalet  Williams  Chairman 

The  foregoing  plan  for  the  establishment  of  an  English  Clas*/- 
cal  School  was  read  and  after  debate,  was  nearly  unanimous iy 
Accepted  by  the  Town,  but  three  persons  voting  in  the  negative, 
and  the  School  Committee  were  Authorized  to  carry  the  same 
into  effect.  — 

And  it  was  further.  Voted,  That  the  School  Committee  from 
Year  to  Year,  be  &  hereby  are  instructed  to  revise  the  course  of 
Studies  proposed  in  the  report  this  day  made  and  Accepted  for 
the  New  School,  and  adopt  such  measures  as  experience  shall  dic- 
tate and  the  object  of  its  establishment  require.  — 

The  Petition  of  Benjamin  Humphries  and  Others  relating  to 
the  Town  Dock  was  read,  &  Committed  to  the  Selectmen,  and 
one  Gentleman  from  each  Ward.  The  [388]  following  nomina- 
tion was  made  from  the  Chair  and  accepted  by  the  Town,  viz*. 


Ward  N'*  1.  George  Darracott 

"       "3.  Enoch  Silsby 

"      "5.  Henry  Farnham 

"      "   7.  Daniel  Davis  Esq'^. 

"      "9.  Samuel  May 

"      "11.  Jon^.    Hunnewell 
Esq^ 


WardN«  2.  D"".        Red  ford 
Webster 
"      "4.  Nathaniel  Alley 
"      "6.  George  W.  Otis 
"      "8.  Francis  Welch 
"      "10.  Benj^     Whitman 

Esq^ 
"      "12.  John  D.  Williams 


The  Petition  of  Ephraim  Hall  and  Others,  to  Ascertain  what 
measures  the  Town  will  adopt  to  defray  the  expense  of  laying  a 


172  City  Document  No.  128. 

large  and  expensive  Common  Sewer  in  and  contiguous  to  Atkin- 
son Street  was  read  &  referred  to  the  Selectmen  and  Board  of 
Health.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  Francis  J. 
Oliver  Esq'',  for  his  faithful  Services  as  Moderator  of  this  Meet- 
ing. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 

Attest  Tho :  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 


[389.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  Other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  qualified  to  Vote  in  Town  affairs, 
Assembled  in  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  22^^**  day  of  January 
1821.  —  10  °Clock  A.M. 

Warrant  for  Calling  the  Meeting,  read.  — 

Benjamin  Russell  Esq'',  was  chosen,  Moderator. 

The  proposition  of  a  number  of  the  Inhabitants,  that  an  appli- 
cation may  be  made  by  the  Town,  to  the  Legislature  for  an  altera- 
tion in  the  Law,  authorizing  the  taking  the  Valuation  of  Real  & 
personal  estates  for  taxation  from  the  first  day  of  May  to  the 
first  day  of  February  Annually,  was  Read  &  after  some  debate, 
It  was  Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  apply  to  the 
Legislature  at  the  present  Session  to  arrthorize  the  Assessors  of 
the  Town  of  Boston  to  take  the  Valuation  on  the  first  Wednesday 
of  February  annually,  instead  of  the  first  day  of  May.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  petition  the  Leg- 
islature agreeably  to  the  foregoing  Vote.  — 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  petition  of  Ephraim 
Hall  &  Others,  was  requested  to  report  at  the  next  Meeting.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to  the  Moder- 
ator for  his  Services  at  this  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved.  — 

Attest,  Tho  :  Clark,  Town  Clerk.  — 


[290.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders&  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  holden  at  Fanueil  Hall  on  Monday  the 
12*^  day  of  March  A.D.  1821  at  10  o'clock  A.M. 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1821.  173 

Prayer  by  Rev.  M"^.  Lowell.  — 
Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read  — 
Law  respecting  the  election  of  Town  Officers  read.  — 
Hon.  John  Phillips  Esq"".,  was  chosen  Moderator. — 

Thomas  Clark,  was  chosen  Town  Clerk,  for  the  year  ensu- 
ing. —  The  Oath  of  Office  was  adminigtered  to  him  by  the  Moder- 
ator. — 

Voted,  That  when  this  Meeting  is  adjourned,  it  shall  be  to 
tomorrow  at  10  o'clock  A.M.  and  that  time  be  assigned  to 
come  to  choose  on  the  part  of  the  Town  of  a  Register  of  Deeds 
for  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

The  Moderator  directed  the  Inhabitants  to  prepare  and  bring 
in  their  votes  for  Nine  Selectmen. 

Voted,  That  the  Polls  shall  be  closed  at  12  o'clock. 

At  the  close  of  the  Poll  it  appeared  the  whole  number  of  votes 

given  in  for  Selectmen,  was,  2443 

necessary  to  make  a  choice 1222 

The  following  Gentlemen  had  the  number  of  Votes  set  against 
their  respective  names  &  were  declared  to  be  chosen.  — 

viz  Eliphalet  Williams  Esq. 2420 

Daniel  Baxter     -----------  2235 

Jon*.  Loring-     -     -     -     - 1815 

Abram  Babcock 2289 

David  W.  Child -     -     -  2410 

[291]    Samuel  Billings  Esq.    -     - 2386 

Jeremiah  Fitch _..  2289 

Robert  Fennelly       .     -     -     - 2388 

Samuel  A.  Wells 2125 

G.  W.  Otis  had                      436      George  Hallet  224 

E.  Ticknor    "                         156      Adam  Bent  94 
N.  P.  Russell                           30      and  some  scattering  votes. 

Hon.  William  Phillips  Redford  Webster 

Thomas  Perkins  Samuel  Snelling 

William  Mackay  Joseph  Coolidge 

Jon*.  Phillips  Samuel  May 

Henry  Bass  Edward  Phillips 

Joseph  Austin  and  Gedney  King 

were  chosen  Overseers  of  the  Poor  &  of  the  Workhouse  for  the 

year  ensuing. 


174 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Voted.  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  presented  to  Jacob 
Hall  &  Edward  Tuckerman  Esq",  for  their  faithful  services  as 
Overseers  of  the  Poor  for  several  years  past. — 


Thomas  Melville 
Daniel  Messenger 
James  Phillips 
Joseph  Lovering 
Jon^.  Loring 
Lemuel  Shaw 
Thomas  Jackson 
Amos  Binney 
Isaac  Harris 
Joseph  Jones 
Jon*^.  Whitney 

[293]     Samuel  A.  Wells 

Samuel  Hichborn  Jr. 
George  Darracott 
James  Davis  and 

were  chosen  Fire  Wards  for  the 


Stephen  Codman 
Benjamin  Smith 
Samuel  M.  Thayer 
John  D.  Williams 
John  Mackay 
Benj^.  Russell 
Winslow  Lewis 
Enoch  Silsby 
George  W.  Otis 
William  Howe 
Jeremiah  Fitch 
William  Burrows 
Jonathan  Thaxter 
William  Sturgis 
George  Trott  Esq". 
year  ensuing. 


Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  presented  to  Joshua 
Davis,  Nathaniel  Curtis  &  Bryant  P.  Tilden,  Esq'"^  for  their 
faithful  services  as  Fire  Wards  for  many  years  past. 


Mess'^^  Benjamin  White 
WiUiam  Clouston 
Nathaniel  Bradlee 
Noah  Doggett 
Thomas  Christy 
William  Green 
Eleazer  Homer 
Joseph  Stodder 
Allan  Bowker 
Nathaniel  Glover 
were  chosen  Surveyors  of  Boards 


John  Howe  Jr 

Richard  Thayer 

Edward  J.  Robbins 

Henry  Blake 

Moses  Ayres  Jr. 

Oliver  Mills 

Charles  Tuttle 

Samuel  Ellison 

William  Mills  and 

Rolun  [Rowland]  Hartshorn 

and  other  Lumber. 


[393.]  Mess".  Benj^.  White 

John  Howe  Jr. 

RomanusEmer 

son  &  Abel  Hewius, 

were  chosen  Fence  Viewers  for  the  year  ensuing 


Nath^.  Bradlee 

Rolun  [Rowland]  Hartshorn 


Mess".  Henry  Purkitt  Benj\  Clark 

Benj*.  Owen  James  Brown  and 

Nathaniel  Howe  Charles  Pook, 

were  chosen  Cullers  of  Hoops  &  Staves. — 


Mess".  Benjamin  Clark 
Charles  Pook 


Nathaniel  Howe 
Benjamin  Owen 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  175 

James  Brown  Jn°.  F.  Bannister 

William  Spear  Jacob  Barstow  and 

Ebenezer  Perry. — 
were  chosen  Cullers  of  Dry  Fish.^ — 

Mess''^.  Joseph  Cabot  John  Kimball 

William  Andrews  Royal  Oliver 

were  chosen  Hogreeves,  Hay  wards  and  Field  Drivers  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

Mess'"^.  Michael  Homer 

Francis  James  and 
Samuel  Sprague, 
were  chosen  Inspectors  of  Lime. — 

Samuel  Emmons  and  James  Phillips  Esq"^®.  were  chosen  Sur- 
veyors of  Hemp.  — 

Thomas  Howe  and  John  Tuckerman  Esq"^^.  were  chosen  Sur- 
veyors of  Wheat. 

[394.]  John  Wells  and  Nathaniel  Alley  Esq'^^  were  chosen 
Assay  Masters.  — 

The  Selectmen  were  chosen  Surveyors  of  High  Way.  — 

Voted,  That  Stephen  Codman,  Francis  J.  Oliver  and  Robert  G. 
Shaw  Esq"^^.  be,  &  hereby  are  appointed,  a  Committee  to  Audit 
the  Accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer;  and  said  Committee  are 
directed  to  report  the  sum  necessary  to  be  raised  for  the  services 
of  the  present  year. 

Voted,  That  the  consideration  of  all  Money  matters,  be  referred 
to  the  May  meeting. — 

Adjourned  to  tomorrow  morning  at  10  o'clock. 

Met  according  to  adjournment. 

The  Moderator  directed  the  Inhabitants  to  prepare  and  bring 
in  their  votes  for  a  Register  of  Deeds  for  the  County  of  Suffolk. — 

Voted  That  the  Poll  be  closed  at  half  past  11  o'clock. 

The  Selectmen  were  appointed  a  Committee  to  receive,  sort 
and  count  the  Votes. — 

The  Chairman  reported  that  the  Selectmen  had  received, 
sorted  &  counted  the  votes  for  a  Register  of  Deeds  and  that  they 
were  for 


176  City  Document  No.  128. 

Henry  AUine 1605 

Samuel  Clark 175 

Henry  N.  Rogers     -     -     -     -       174 
Thomas  Jackson      -     -     -     -       120 

John  Mackay 120 

[395]       Charles  Hammatt       -     94     Henry  Codman  -  -  88 

Gershom  Cobb      -     -     71     David  Higgins  -  -  70 

Thomas  Lewis      -     -     54     James  Foster  -  -•  -  52 

01.  W.  Champney      -     44     Dudley  Walker  -  -  36 

John  Marston       -     -     32     Benj^.  Whitwell  -  -  27 

Henry  Robinson  -     -     20     Edmund  Munroe  -  -  17 

John  Win  slow       -     -     17     Leader  Dam     -  .  -  15 

Lemuel  P.  Grosvener      15     WilUam  Foster  Jr.  -  6 

I  Ingalls      -     -     -     -       2     0.  Champney  -  -  -  1 

Eben"".  Andrews    -     -       IN.  Clark     -     .  -  -  1 

D.  Callender   -     -     -       1     B.  Parsons-     _  .  -  l 

T  Page 1     J.  Brigham      -  -  -  1 

O.  W.  Champney      -        1     J.  H.  Smith      -  -  -  1 
J.  T.  Buckingham      -       1 

Voted,  That  in  addition  to  the  Selectmen,  twelve  persons  shall 
now  be  chosen  a  School  Committee^  &  the  votes  being  collected, 
it  appeared  that  the  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen  —  viz  — 
Doct.  Thomas  Welsh  Henry  J.  Oliver  Esq. 

Rev.  Charles  Lowell  Lemuel  Shaw 

Francis  J.  Oliver  Esq"^.       Rev.  John  Pierpont 
Wilham  Wells  "    Daniel  Sharp 

Benj^.  Russell  Doct.  Jn«.  G.  Coffin 

Rev.  Nath^  L.  Frothingham     Rev.  Paul  Dean 

Voted,  That  the  above  named  Gentlemen  who  [296]  con- 
junctly with  the  Selectmen  are  termed  the  School  Committee,  be, 
and  hereby  are  directed,  to  carry  the  System  of  P^ducation 
adopted  by  the  Town  into  operation ;  and  that  said  Committee 
be  also  authorised  &  empowered  conjunctly  to  manage  and  regu- 
late the  Government  of  the  Schools ;  and  to  execute  all  the 
powers  relative  to  the  Schools  and  Schoolmasters  which  the 
Selectmen  or  such  Committees  are  authorised  by  the  Laws  of  this 
Commonwealth  or  by  the  votes  of  the  Town  to  exercise. — 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  presented  to  Aaron 
Dexter  Esq.  for  his  able,  impartial  &  faithful  services,  as  a 
member  of  the  School  Committee  for  thirty  two  years  past. 

The  Petition  of  Abraham  Gould  and  others  "That  the  Town 
would  appoint  a  Committee  to  superintend  the  Municipal  con- 
cerns of  South  Boston  ' '  was  read  —  also  a  remonstrance  against 
the  said  Petition,  after  some  debate  it  was  Voted^  That  the  Peti- 
tioners have  leave  to  withdraw  their  Petition. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  177 

The  Petitions  of  Joseph  May  and  others  &  of  Thomas  Howe 
and  others,  on  the  subject  of  erecting  a  Work  House  were  read  — 
Whereupon  it  was  Voted,  That  the  subject  be  referred  to  a  Com- 
mittee of  thirteen,  to  be  nominated  from  the  chair :  the  said 
[Committee]  to  consider  the  subject  at  large  and  report ;  and  that 
the  report  be  printed  and  distributed  among  the  Inhabitants,  and 
the  Selectmen  are  requested  to  call  a  Meeting  to  act  on  said 
report. — 

The  following  G-entlemen  were  nominated  and  [397]  appointed 
on  the  Committee  —  viz. 

Hon.  Josiah  Quincy  William  Thurston 

Joseph  Lovering  Abram  Babcock 

James  Savage  Samuel  A.  Wells 

Henry  J.  Oliver  James  T.  Austin 

Francis  Welsh  .  Benj*.  Rich  and 

Joseph  May  Joseph  Woodward  Esq"^^ 
Thomas  Howe 

The  Subscribers,  a  Committee,  to  whom  was  referred,  by  the 
Town  of  Boston,  the  Petition  of  Thomas  K.  Jones  Esq''.  &  others 
respecting  a  Drain,  under  the  building  called  Merchants  Hall, 
situated  on  Water  Street,  in  said  Boston  —  have  attended  to  the 
duty  assigned  them  and  ask  leave  to  report. — 

That  they  have  viewed  the 
said  Drain,  have  examined  the  title,  which  the  Town  of  Boston  has^ 
to  an  interest  in  said  Drain,  &  have  heard  the  parties  interested 
in  said  subject,  &  are  of  opinion,  and  do  report,  that  the  said 
Drain  can  be  made  tight,  and  so  secured,  as  to  prevent  any  mate- 
rial injury  to  persons  doing  business  in  said  Merchants  Hall,  at 
no  very  great  expence,  and  that  the  owners  of  said  Merchants 
Hall,  are  under  obligation  to  the  Town  of  Boston  and  that  it  is 
their  duty  to  keep  said  Drain  in  repair,  so  as  to  prevent  any  nui- 
sance to  the  Inhabitants  therefrom.  —  This  [398]  Committee 
are  further  satisfied,  that  the  inconvenience  in  the  Cellar  under 
said  Merchants  Hall  for  several  years  past  in  the  hot  seasons, 
has  existed  from  said  Drain  not  being  sufficiently  tight  and  secured, 
and  from  the  waste  water  from  the  streets  flowing  into  said  cellar  ; 
and  this  Committee  cannot  learn,  that  the  owners  of  said  Mer- 
chants Hall,  have,  for  several  years  last  passed  attempted,  effect- 
ually to  remedy  said  evil  —  probably  from  a  belief  that  it  would 
be  impracticable  to  remedy  the  evil,  but  by  removing  the  said 
drain  from  under  y®  said  building  —  This  Committee  however  are 
of  opinion,  that  if  the  owners  of  said  Merchants  Hall  shall  put 
the  said  drain  in  complete  repair  :  raise  the  side  walk  adjoining 
their  said  building,  so  as  to  prevent  the  water  running  on  the 
streets  adjacent  to  the  said  building  from  entering  the  cellar  of 
the  same,  and  fill  up  a  part  of  said  cellar,  adjoining  said  drain, 
in  that  case  all  nuisance  from  said  drain  would  be  prevented,  and 


178  City  Document  No.  128. 

the  cellar  under  said  Merchants  Hall,  be  rendered  inoffensive  to 
the  citizens  —  This  Committee  therefore  recommend,  that  it  is 
inexpedient,  at  present,  for  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  take  any  further 
order  on  this  subject,  untill  after  the  owners  of  said  Merchants 
Hall,  have  attempted  to  remedy  the  aforesaid  evil,  in  the  manner 
suggested,  as  aforesaid,  by  this  Committee  —  all  of  which  is 
respectfully   submitted  by  said  Committee  — 

Robert  Williams  John  Dorr 

Benj**.  Whitman  Josiah  Marshall 

Joseph  W.  Revere  M.  Roulstone 

Boston  Feby  24^'\  A.D.  1821.     S,  H.  Walley 

[399.]  The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  accepted. — 
The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Petition  of  Joseph 
Stone  and  others,  to  see  if  the  Town  would  render  them  any 
assistance  in  building  a  new  Gunhouse  at  the  north  part  of  the 
Town ;  have  attended  that  ser\'ice  and  respectfully  ask  leave  to 
Report. — 

That  the  land  on  which  the  Gun  House  now  stands  be  appro- 
priated, for  the  building  of  Tombs  under  the  permission  of  the 
Board  of  Health  —  and  that  the  nett  proceeds,  which  may  be 
realized  from  said  appropriation,  be  applied  towards  erecting  a 
new  Gun  House,  for  the  use  of  said  company,  on  any  land 
belonging  to  the  Town,  which  the  Selectmen  may  appropriate  for 
that  purpose,  should  the  said  Company  wish  for  the  same. — 

By  order  of  the  Committee 

EUphalet  Williams  Chair". 
Boston  March  lO*'^  1821. 

The  above  Report  was  read  and  accepted. 

Voted,  Unanimously,  that  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  presented 
to  the  Hon.  John  Phillips,  for  his  able  &  impartial  services  as 
Moderator  of  this  Meeting. 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. — 

Attest  Thomas  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 


[300.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Male  Inhabitants  of  the  Town 
of  Boston,  held  at  Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  second  day  of 
April  A.D.  1821.  at  9  o'clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  Rev*^.  M"^.  Wisner. — 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. — 

The  Constitution  respecting  the  election  of  Governor,  Lieuten- 
ant Governor,  Counsellors  &  Senators  was  read. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  179 

The  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  requested  the  Inhabitants  to 
prepare  and  bring  in  their  votes  for  Governor  &  Lieutenant  Gov- 
ernor of  the  Commonwealth  and  Six  Senators  for  the  District  of 
SuffoUi.— 

Voted,  That  the  Poll  shall  be  closed  at  2.  o'clock  P.M.— 
Persons  voted  for  as  Governor,  with  the  number  of  votes  for 
each  person  —  viz  — 

His  Excellency  John  Brooks    -     -     -     -     -     -     -3088 

Hon.  William    Eustis 1303 

John  Phillips  -------         1 

Joseph  B.  Varnum     -----         1 

Joseph  Woodward     -----  1 

Daniel  Webster 1 

Eben'".  Clough 1 

Francis  Waldo 1 

Napo°.  Buonaparte    -----         1 
Rev.  Hosea  Ballou 1 


4399 
Persons  voted  for  as  Lieutenant  Governor  with  the  number  of 
votes  for  each  person  —  viz  — 

His  Honor  William  Phillips 3064 

Hon.  Levi  Lincoln 1319 

[301]  William  Eustis    -         2      Edw.  H .  Robbins  -     -     -         1 


Josiah  Quincy  -     -     - 

1 

William  Gray   -     -     - 

1 

Elisha  Ticknor       -     - 

1 

Elias  Smith       -     -     - 

1 

George  Bond     -     -     - 

1 

George  Read     -     -     - 

1 

Sam'.  Adams    -     -     - 

1 

Simon  Gardner      -     - 

1 

Persons  voted  for  as  Counsellors  and  Senators  for  the  District  of 
Suffolk,  with  the  number  of  votes  for  each  Person  —  viz. 

Hon.  John  PhilKps 3074 

"     John  Welles       -     - -     -     -  3059 

"     Jon^.  Hunnewell 3011 

Joseph  Tilden  Esq--. 3040 

Warren  Dutton 2719 

Lemuel  Shaw 2747 

Hon.  Wilham  Gray    -     - 1578 

Henry  Dearborn --  1309 

Col.  Thomas  Badger 1275 

Rev.  Thomas  Baldwin 1279 

James  T.  Austin  Esq^ 1303 

Doct.  William  Ingalls 1484 

Samuel  A.  Wells  -  -  -  12  J.  Salisbury  -  -  -  -  4 
Sam'.  Hubbard  -  -  _  10  Isaac  Winslow  -  -  -  3 
Josiah  Quincy  -  -  -  -  6  T.  L.  Winthrop  -  -  -  2 
D.  Baxter  -----  4  David  Sears  -  -  -  -  29 
W,  Sullivan  -  -  -  -  3  Henry  Orne  -  -  -  -  7 
Hosea  Ballou   -     -     -     -         3D.  Webster       -     -     -     .         4 


180 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Benj^.  Russell  -  -  - 

John  D.  Dyer  -  -  - 

Eben'".  Clough  -  -  - 

J.  Evarts     -  -  -  - 

J.  Lloyd       -  -  -  - 

C.  M,  Dommett  -  - 
S.  G.  Perkins  -  -  - 
S.  L.  Knapp  -  -  - 
N.  Snow  .  -  -  - 
G.  Sullivan  -  .  - 
T.  Brigham  -  -  - 
S.  Billings  -  -  -  - 
W.  Little  -  -  -  - 
J.  Mason  -  -  .  - 
J.  Loring  -  -  -  - 
P.  Richardson  -  -  - 
S.  Waldo     -  -  -  - 

D.  Willis  -  -  -  - 
[303]  S.  H.  Walley 

E.  Vose  -  -  -  . 
J.  H.  Schaffer  -  - 
D.  Townsend  -  -  - 

F.  Lane  -  .  .  . 
W.  Phillips  -  -  - 
S.  Goodnow  -  -  - 
N.  Gamage  _  -  - 
J.  H.  Smith  -  -  - 
R.  Sturgis  -  -  -  - 
J.  Coolidge  -  -  . 
Tho^  Howe  -  -  - 
W.  Tudor  -  -  -  - 
A.  Hill  -  -  -  = 
J.  Russell  -  -  -  . 
R.  Bacon  Jr.  -  -  - 
J.  Parker  -  -  -  - 
J.  S.  Lovell  -  -  - 
N.  Brooks  -  -  -  - 
P.  F.  Jackson  -  -  - 
F.  Baker  -  -  -  - 
T.  Bartlett  .  -  -  - 
S.  Wells  -  -  -  - 
W.  Jackson  -  .  - 


30 
8 
6 
2 
2 
2 
2 
1 
1 
1 
2 
2 
2 
2 
1 
1 
1 
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
3 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
3 


T.  H.  Perldns  -  - 

P.  P.  F.  Degrand  - 

T.  Lyman    -     -  - 

W.  Parmenter  -  - 

J.  Brooks     -     -  - 

B.  Whitman!     -  - 

P.  C.  Brooks     -  - 

T.  Page  -     -     -  - 

S.  Gardner  -     -  - 

H.  Lincoln  -     -  - 

S.  Adams     -     -  - 

J.  Putnam    -     -  - 

J.  Howe       -     -  - 

W.  Sturgis  -     -  - 

W.  H.  vSumner  -  - 

E.  Torry      -     -  - 

W.  Ropes    -     -  - 


W.  D.  Sohier   - 
S.  A.  Shurtleff 
J.  F.  Freeman 

A.  Dunlap  -  - 
W.  Tileston  - 
J.  Eaton      -     - 

E.  WiUiams 

J.  Harris      -     - 

F.  Bassett  -  - 
M.  M.  Hunt  - 
T.  K.  Jones     - 

B.  V.  French  - 
W.  Pelby  -  - 
S.  Soper  -  - 
W.  P.  Shelton  - 
W.  Eustis  -  - 
W.  Lawrence  - 
S.  Walter    -     - 

G.  Cabot  -  - 
T.  Melville 

N.  Curtis  -  - 
G.  Bond  -  - 
J.  Hall  Jr.  -  - 
Edward  Jones  - 


3 
3 
2 
2 
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
2 
2 
2 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 

1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 
1 


Attested  copies  of  return  of  Persons  voted  for  as  Governor 
Lieutenant  Governor,  Counsellors  and  Senators  for  the  District  of 
Suffolk  were  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting  (after  the  vote  had 
been  declared)  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the  Common- 
wealth as  prescribed  by  law,  and  directed  as  follows  —  viz  — 

"  To  Alden  Bradford  Esq"^.  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  of 

Massachusetts. — 


Boston  Town  Rkcoeds,  1821.  181 

Votes  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  for  Governor  and  Lieutenant 
Governor  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting." 

"  To  Alden  Bradford  Esq'.  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  of 

Massachusetts.  — 

Votes  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  for  Six  Counsellors  and  Senators, 
for  the  District  of  Suffolk,  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting." — 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved.  — 

Attest  Thomas  Clark 

Town  Clerk 


[303.]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  qualified  to  vote  for  Senators 
or  Representatives,  holden  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Monday  the  9'^ 
day  of  April  A.D.  1821.  being  the  second  Monday  in  said 
month,  pursuant  to  a  Resolution  of  the  Convention  of  Delegates, 
assembled  at  Boston,  on  the  15*^  of  November,  A.D.  1820.  for 
the  purpose  of  revising  the  Constitution  of  the  Commonwealth. 

Prayer  by  Rev*^.  M"^.  Palfrey. 
Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. 

The  Articles  proposed  as  Amendments  to  the  Constitution, 
were  read  by  [the]  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Poll  be  closed  at  2  o'clock.  — 

The  Chairman  directed  the  Inhabitants  to  prepare  &  bring  in 
their  votes  on  the  Amendments  to  the  Constitution,  with  the 
words  Yes,  or  No,  annexed  to  each  article.  — 

on  the 

were    as 


At  the  close  of    the  Poll  it  appeared 

that 

the  Votes 

several   Amendments    submitted    by    the 

Convention,    -s 

follows  — 

Yeas 

Nays 

Article  First 

1768 

888 

Article  Second 

1515 

1133 

Article  Third 

2553 

99 

Article  Fourth 

2462 

185 

Article  Fifth 

1642 

1006 

Article  Sixth 

2526 

118 

Article  Seventh 

1826 

832 

Article  Eighth 

2410 

238 

Article  Ninth 

1771 

888 

Article  Tenth 

1419 

1230 

Article  Eleventh 

2504 

129 

182  City  Document  No.  128. 

[304]     Article  Twelfth  2442     Yeas       197     Nays 

Article  Thirteenth  2558         "  85         " 

Article  Fourteenth  2458         "         194        " 

Declaration   of    the  Votes    for  and  against  each  article  was 
made  and  then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 

Attest  Thomas  Clark 

Town  Clerk  — 


[305.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabitants 
of  the  Town  of  Boston,  assembled  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Monday 
the  7'^  day  of  May  A.D.  1821.  at  9  o'clock  A.M.— 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read  — 

Francis  J.  Oliver  Esc/,  was  chosen  Moderator  — 

WilUam  Dall  Barzillia  Homes 

Joshua  Davis  George  Bond  and 

Moses  Williams  Benj^.  Rich  Esquires 

were  chosen  Trustees  of  Neck  Lands  for  the  year  ensuing  — 

Voted,  That  the  Trustees  of  the  Neck  Lands  be  authorized 
and  empowered  to  lease  or  sell  the  lands  in  such  manner  as  they 
may  think  proper,  any  former  vote  of  the  Town  to  the  contrary 
notwithstanding.  — 

Thomas  Hammond,  was  chosen  Pound  Keeper  for  the  year 
ensuing. 

William  Briggs  was  chosen  a  Surveyor  of  Lumber  and  of  Wood 
for  the  year  ensuing.  — 

On  the  Petition  of  Daniel  Carney  and  others ;  it  was  Voted^ 
That 

Mess''^  Daniel  Carney 

Jonathan  Simonds,  and 
Henry  H.  Fuller  Esq''. 
be  a  Committee   to  form  a  Table,  stating   all  the  Fees  of  office 
established  by  law ;  and   that  the   same  be   published   with   the 
annual  report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance. 

[306.]  Eliphalet  Williams  and  John  H.  Wheeler  Esquires 
were  chosen  Fire  Wards.  — 

On  the  Petition  of  Lot  Wheelright  and  others,  inhabitants  of 
South   Boston,  It   was  Voted,  That   the  Town   consent  that   the 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  183 

Laws  restricting  buildings  of  Wood,  more  than  ten  feet  high, 
may  be  suspended  for  the  term  of  five  years,  so  far  as  relates  to 
that  Section  of  the  Town.  — 

On  the  Petition  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  ' '  to  see  if  the 
Town  will  authorise  some  person  to  execute  a  Deed  of  a  lot  of 
Land,  set  ofti,  to  the  Town,  in  Alfred,  County  of  York,  in  the 
State  of  Maine."  It  was  Voted,  that  Doctor  Bedford  Webster 
be  authorised  &  empowered  to  execute  a  good  and  sufficient 
Deed  of  a  piece  of  land,  situated  in  the  Town  of  Alfred,  County 
of  York  and  State  of  Maine,  in  behalf  of  the  inhabitants  of  this 
Town.  — 

It  was  voted,  not  to  authorise  the  appointment  of  an  additional 
Sealer  of  Weights  and  Measures ;  as  prayed  for,  in  the  Petition 
of  John  Thompson  and  others.  — 

On  the  representation  of  the  Selectmen  of  the  situation  of  the 
present  Vegetable  Market :  —  It  was  Voted,  That  they  be  author- 
ised to  build  a  New  Vegetable  Market.  — 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Petition  of  Ben- 
jamin Humphrey  and  others,  "to  take  the  sense  of  the  Town 
what  further  disposition  shall  [307]  be  made  of  the  Town  Dock ; 
whether  the  Town  will  sell  out  their  interest  in  the  same,  purchase 
the  rights  of  others ;  —  or  cause  the  same  to  be  filled  up  have 
attended  the  duty  assigned  them  and  respectfully  ask  leave  to 
report.  — 

They  have  taken  the  subject  into  their  consideration  and  are 
unanimously  of  opinion  [that]  the  Town  owns  a  valuable  property  in 
The  Town  Dock  —  but  your  Committee  have  not  been  able  to  learn 
that  any  persons  are  at  present  desirous  of  purchasing  the  rights 
belonging  to  the  Town  —  yom^  Committee  therefore  confined  their 
inquiries  more  particularly  to  the  latter  clause  of  their  commission 
viz  —  to  see  if  the  Town  will  purchase  the  rights  of  the  abutters 
or  fill  up  the  same  :  —  Your  Committee  taking  into  consideration 
the  proposition,  that  is  now  before  the  town,  for  a  considerable 
enlargement  of  the  present  Vegetable  &  Fish  Market,  do  not 
deem  it  expedient  that  any  method  should  be  proposed  quieting 
the  abutters  or  filling  up  the  same  the  present  season.  —  but  your 
Committee  recommend  that  the  town  request  the  Selectmen  to 
improve  the  Towns  right  in  the  Dock,  either  by  letting  or  using 
the  same  as  they  may  think  proper.  — 

By  order  of  the  Committee 
May  3<i.  1821.  Eliphalet  Williams,  Chairman. 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  accepted. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  at  a  legal   Meeting,   holden  on  the   12"^  day  of  March 


184  City  Document  No.  128. 

last  "  on  the  subject  of  Pauperism,  at  large,  and  on  the  expedi- 
ency of  erecting  a  Work  House,"  within  the  said  Town,  having 
taken  [308]  those  subjects  into  their  consideration,  in  con- 
formity to  their  instructions,  ask  leave  to 

Report. 

That  in  prosecuting  their  inquiries,  concerning  the  subjects 
referred  to  their  consideration,  they  have  examined  the  state  of 
the  present  Town  Alms  House  and  compared  it  with  institutions 
of  a  similar  character,  in  this  vicinity,  particularly  with  those  at 
Marblehead  and  Salem,  and  they  are  unanimously  of  opinion 
that  the  accommodations,  provided  for  the  poor,  at  the  Alms 
House,  in  Boston  are  not  such  as  comport  with  the  honor  and 
interests  of  the  Town. —  They  are  also  unanimously  of  opinion, 
that  in  aid  of  the  present  estabhshment,  a  work  house  to  be  de- 
nominated a  House  of  Industry,  should  be  erected,  with  a  suffi- 
cient quantity  of  land  attached  to  it,  so  as  to  enable  the  poor, 
compelled  to  resort  to  it,  to  have  the  benefit  resulting  from  air, 
employment  and  exerci&s,  and  the  town  to  derive  that  advantage, 
which  other  towns  in  this  vicinity  experience  from  the  well 
directed  labour  of  the  poor,  in  similar  institutions.  — 

The  document  marked  A,  being  the  report  of  a  sub-committee, 
appointed  to  inquire  into  the  existing  state  of  the  establishments 
of  the  town,  in  this  respect,  will  farther  evidence  and  illustrate 
the  importance  and  necessity  of  an  immediate  attention  to  these 
subjects.  — 

It  is  not  the  intention  of  your  Committee  to  enter  upon  a 
laboured  statement  of  the  lienefits  to  be  derived  from  well  man- 
aged houses  of  industry.  The  general  reasonings,  by  which  the 
utility  of  such  establishments  might  be  maintained,  are  super- 
seded by  a  concurrence  [309]  of  experience,  which  can  neither 
be  controverted,  nor  resisted. — 

It  appears,  by  a  report  made  by  a  Committee  of  the  Massachu- 
setts Legislature,  at  their  last  session,  that  the  experience,  both 
of  England  and  of  Massachusetts,  concur  in  establishing  the 
fact  '■''that  of  all  modes  of  maintaining  the  poor,  the  m,ost  eco- 
nomical, is  ihat  of  work  houses,  or  houses  of  industry  :  in  which 
work  is  provided  for  every  degree  and  species  of  ability  in  the 
pauper  ;  and  also,  that  of  all  modes  of  employing  the  labour  of 
the  poor,  the  best,  the  mnost  healthy,  and  the  most  certainly  profit- 
able is  that  of  agricidture  ;  whereby  the  poor  are  enabled  always, 
to  raise,  at  least  their  ovm  provisions." 

It  appears  also,  by  the  same  report,  that  every  town  in  the 
Commonwealth,  which  had  resorted  to  such  establishments,  and 
persevered  in  their  support,  had  derived  from  them,  very  great 
and  sensible  relief  from  the  burden  of  maintaining  the  poor,  to 
which  they  had  been  antecedently  subjected,  and  this  also  had 
been  effected  by  the  use  of  means,  which  added  both  to  the  health, 
the  comforts,  and  the  happiness  of  the  paupers  themselves.  — 

la  order,  however,  to  leave  no  degree  of  satisfaction  unattained, 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  185 

which  it  was  in  their  power  to  acquire,  your  Committee  appointed 
another  sub-committee  to  visit  the  Marblehead  and  Salem  Alms 
Houses,  two  establishments  in  high  repute,  for  the  vigor  and  in- 
telligence, with  which  they  were  conducted,  and  the  experience, 
resulting  from  which,  was  likely  to  be  decisive,  in  relation  to  the 
general  expediency  of  such  institutions,  from  the  distinguished 
character,  the  inhabitants  [310]  of  those  towns  have  acquired 
throughout  the  Commonwealth,  for  their  enterprise,  prudence  and 
intelligence.  — 

It  appeared,  by  the  report  of  this  sub-committee,  that  "the 
request  to  be  permitted  to  visit  and  examine  those  establishments, 
was  received,  by  their  respective  Overseers  in  the  most  friendly 
and  polite  manner :  that  they  were  permitted  to  inspect  every 
department  of  each  institution,  and  that  they  obtained  frank  and 
unreserved  answers,  to  all  their  inquiries."  This  examination 
resulted,  "in  the  extreme  gratification  of  the  sub-committee,  at 
the  order  and  neatness,  which  prevailed,  and  the  content  and 
comfort  of  the  poor,  which  was  apparent,  in  both  those 
institutions. — 

The  satisfaction,  which  the  sub-committee  derived  from  this 
general  survey  was  equalled  only,  by  that,  which  was  consequent 
on  the  examination  and  consideration  of  the  details,  given  by 
those  Overseers,  in  relation  to  the  success  of  those  establishments. — 

The  Overseers  of  the  Marblehead  Ahiis  House  stated  to  the 
sub-committee,  that  the  town  of  Marblehead  had  no  general  fund 
applicable  to  the  support  of  the  poor,  except  the  Treasury  of  the 
town  ;  —  that  the  annual  average  of  the  poor,  in  point  of  number, 
supported  in  their  Alms  House,  somewhat  exceeded  one  hundred ; 
—  that  the  expence  of  the  poor  of  Marblehead,  from  March  1820. 
to  March  1821,  was  justly  represented  in  the  annexed  schedule, 
(marked  B.)  by  which  it  appears  that  the  whole  expence  of  sup- 
porting one  hundred  poor,  within  the  Alms  House,  for  that  year, 
was  only  thirteen  hundred,  and  seventy  five  dollars,  forty  seven 
cents. 

[oil.]  Those  Overseers,  farther  stated  that,  in  their 
opinion,  every  thing  considered,  the  annual  expense,  within  the 
Alms  House  did  not  exceed  nine,  or  ten  dollars  per  head  per  year. 
The  sub-committee  were  satisfied,  that  this  estimate  did  not 
underrate  the  actual  expense ;  particularly  as  there  is  no  credit 
allowed  in  it,  for  one  thousand  days  labour  done  upon  the  high- 
ways, by  that  portion  of  the  able  bodied  tenants  of  the  Alms 
House,  who  were  capable  of  this  species  of  labor. —  All  the  high- 
way work  of  Marblehead  being  done,  by  the  poor  of  their  Alms 
House. — 

A  similar  and  not  less  satisfactory  result  was  obtained,  by  the 
examination  made,  by  this  sub-committee,  of  the  Alms  House  at 
Salem; — By  the  printed  report  of  the  Overseers  of  that  town, 
dated  1^*  March  1821,  (see  Schedule,  C,)  it  appears  that  since 
the  erection  of  their  Alms  House,  in  1815,  the  expences  of  the 
town  of  Salem,  for  the  support  of  their  poor,  have  been  reduced 


186  City  Document  No.  128. 

from  $12,779.21  cents,  which  it  was  in  1814,  to  $4,296.40  C'ts, 
which  it  was  in  the  year,  ending  the  V^  of  March  last.  The  poor, 
supported  out  of  the  Alms  House,  being  included  in  both 
estimates. — 

If  from  this  amount  be  deducted  $1,090.87  cents,  the  estimated, 
value  of  supplies,  furnished  poor  persons,  not  inhabitants  of  the 
Alms  House,  the  whole  net  expense  of  the  Salem  Alms  House, 
for  the  last  year  was  only  three  tliousand^  tv}0  hundred  and  Jive 
dollars  fifty  three  cents.  The  average  number  of  poor  being 
about  three  hundred  and.  twenty,  supported  within  the  Alms 
House  during  the  year,  makes  the  arithmetical  result,  of  the 
whole  expense,  averaged  upon  the  tenants  about  $10.  — p  head 
per  annum  !  The  same  as  that  of  Marblehead.  The  Overseers 
[313]  of  Salem,  also  stated,  that  it  was  their  expectation  to 
reduce  considerably,  the  expenses  of  the  establishment,  the 
ensuing  year.  Here,  also,  as  in  Marblehead,  the  sub-committee 
were  satisfied  that  circumstances  existed,  which  considerably 
reduced  the  actual  expense  below  the  estimated  average. — 

The  schedule  marked  D  will  exhibit  the  whole  expense  of  the 
Boston  Alms  House,  during  the  year  1820,  — The  average  num- 
ber within  the  house,  somewhat  exceeding  four  hundred  pfersous. 

It  will  not  be  necessary,  for  the  purpose  of  establishing  a  con- 
viction of  the  necessity  of  a  resort  to  a  similar  institution,  in  the 
town  of  Boston,  to  enter  into  any  comparison  of  the  result  of 
these  inquiries,  with  that  of  similar  inquiries  made  in  relation  to 
the  Alms  House  in  this  town.  In  order  to  satisfy  every  mind  of 
the  interest  and  duty  in  this  respect,  it  will  be  sufficient  to  state 
generally,  that  the  support  of  the  whole  poor  of  the  town  of 
Salem,  including  all  out  pensioners,  and  an  average  of  three  hun- 
dred and  sixty  five  within  the  house,  cost  the  town  of  Salem  last 
year,  $4,296.40  cents.  That  the  whole  poor  of  the  town  of  Bos- 
ton including  all  out  pensioners  and  an  average  of  about  four 
hundred  within  the  House,  cost  the  Town  of  Boston  last  year, 
$19,934.53  c'ts. 

It  is  apparent  to  your  Committee  that  this  difference  is  greatly 
owing  to  the  contracted  state  of  the  Alms  House,  in  comparison 
with  the  wants  of  the  Town. 

This  establishment  being  the  receptacle  of  all  that  class,  which 
are  naturally  the  objects  of  a  house  of  industry,  the  consequence 
is  that  out  pensioners  [313]  are  multiplied;  and  this  most 
wasteful,  and  most  expensive  mode  of  supplying  the  poor,  in 
their  own  families ;  as  well  as  the  most  liable  to  abuse,  is 
rendered,  in  a  great  degree,  inevitable.  The  entire  want  of  land, 
suited  to  employ  the  poor,  in  any  species  of  agriculture,  or 
out-of-door  labour,  and  the  impracticability  in  so  confined  a 
space,  to  introduce  the  necessary  separation  of  age  and  sex,  and 
to  provide  each  with  employment  suited  to  it,  are  also  causes  of 
this  difference  of  expense  in  supporting  their  poor,  to  these 
towns  respectively. 

Your  Committee,  therefore,  from  the  preceding  facts   and  rea- 


Boston  Town  Recokds.  1821.  187 

soiling  came,  unanimously  to  the  conclusion  that  a  house  of 
Industry  ought  forthwith  to  be  erected,  with  a  quantity  of  land, 
attached  to  it,  sufficient  for  all  the  objects  of  such  an  institution. 

In  forming  this  opinion,  your  committee  were  influenced  by 
considerations  of  economy  ;  —  the  strong  conviction  that  a  great 
saving  would  in  consequence,  result  to  the  town,  in  point  of 
expense; — and  above  all,  by  a  sense  of  the  salutary  influence 
of  a  well  managed  institution  of  this  kind  on  the  public  morals. 
The  obligations,  which  every  society  owes  to  those  classes  of 
citizens,  which  are  liable  to  become  pensioners  on  its  charity, 
were  not  overlooked,  in  making  this  estimate  of  the  Town's 
interest  and  duty. — 

There  are  four  classes  of  persons,  to  which  the  public  arrange- 
ments, on  these  subjects,  ought  to  extend,  and  to  whose  peculiari- 
ties of  condition  they  ought,  as  far  as  any  general  system  is 
practicable,  to  be  accommodated ;  —  1®*,  the  poor  by  reason  of 
age ;  2"*^,  the  poor  by  reason  of  misfortune ;  —  3'''^,  the  poor,  by 
reason  of  infancy ;  4*''  the  poor,  by  reason  of  vice. — 

[314.]  It  is  very  plain,  that  each  of  these  classes  of  poor 
have  claims  upon  society,  differing  both  in  their  nature  and 
degree,  founded  upon  different  principles  ;  the  sources  of  differ- 
ent duties,  and  requiring  different  proportions  of  sympathy  and 
solicitude. — 

Of  all  classes  of  the  poor,  that  of  virtuous  old  age,  has  the 
most  unexceptionable  claims  upon  society ;  and  is  that,  in  rela- 
tion to  which  its  charitable  establishments  should  be  so  con- 
structed as  to  extend,  not  only  comfort,  but  a  reasonable  degree 
of  indulgence.  This  cause  of  helplessness  cannot  successfully 
be  feigned. — It  is  the  consequence  of  a  general  law  of  our  nature, 
to  which  all  are  equally  liable.  Hope  and  pleasure  are,  for  this 
life,  in  a  great  measure  extinguished.  Its  condition  requires, 
therefore,  a  peculiar  degree  of  consideration.  Although  the  old, 
should  not  wholly  be  excused  from  labour,  yet  it  is  apparent  that 
such  ought  to  be  provided  as  is  suited  to  their  age ;  if  possible 
to  their  habits  and  former  employments  in  life. — 

A  similar  course  of  remark  applies  to  those,  who  are  helpless, 
through  corporeal,  or  intellectual  misfortune  ;  —  the  effects  of  no 
vice,  nor  criminal  indulgence.  Each  of  these  classes  is  entitled 
to  particular  consideration  ;  neither  should  be  released  from  every 
degree  and  kind  of  labour,  yet  what  is  required  should  be  adapted 
to  their  condition,  and  their  particular  imbecillity.  Something 
more  of  attention  should  be  paid,  and  of  pains  taken,  to  gratify 
their  inclinations  and  to  supply  their  humble  wants. — 

Now  the  impracticability  of  making  this  first  and  great  dis- 
crimination, in  favor  of  these  two  first  classes  of  poor,  is  the  great 
defect  of  the  Boston  Alms  [315]  House.  —  In  an  establishment 
so  restricted  in  point  of  room  ;  and  open  to  the  indiscriminate 
influx  of  characters  of  all  descriptions,  it  is  impossible  to  make 
those  distinctions,  either  in  food,  or  in  treatment,  which  is  due  to 
age  and  misfortune. 


188  City  Document  No.  128. 

If  the  aged  and  virtuous  poor  are  reduced  to  the  food,  and 
made  obnoxious  to  the  severity,  or  the  labour,  to  which  the 
vicious  are  subjected,  it  is  to  them  a  degradation,  and  a  new  and 
undeserved  source  of  misery  and  misfortune.  On  the  other  hand, 
if  the  vicious  are  permitted  to  enjoy  the  comforts,  or  partake  of 
the  indulgence,  which  is  due  to  age  and  misfortune,  tbeir  con- 
dition becomes,  not  only  supportable,  but  eligible.  The  fear  of 
poverty  is  diminished,  and  the  shame  of  dependence  obliterated. 
Public  establishments  become  thronged  ;  as  will  never  fail  to  be 
the  case,  whenever  Alms  House  support  is  better  than  or  even 
equal,  in  its  kind,  to  the  support  to  be  obtained  by  labour.  These 
considerations,  and  others,  which  will  readily  present  themselves 
to  the  reflections  of  intelligent  men,  render  it  indispensable  that 
an  establishment  should  be  provided  which  should  enable  the 
Town  to  make  this  first,  and  most  important,  and  just  of  all  dis- 
criminations between  the  poor,  in  consequence  of  vice ;  and  the 
poor,  in  consequence  of  misfortune. 

The  third  class,  consisting  of  those,  who  are  poor,  and  in 
infancy  or  childhood,  are  somewhat  differently  situated ;  and 
have  a  right  to  require  from  society  a  distinct  attention  and  more 
scrupulous  and  precise  supervision.  Their  career  of  existence  is 
but  just  commenced.  They  may  be  rendered  blessings,  or 
scourges  to  society.  Their  course  may  be  happy  or  miserable, 
honor — [316]  able  or  disgraceful,  according  to  the  specific 
nature  of  the  provision,  made  for  their  support  and  education. 
It  follows  that  the  charitable  establishments  of  every  wise  and 
virtuous  community  ought  to  be  such  as  to  enable  it  to  effect 
these  interesting  objects,  in  the  most  perfect  and  satisfactory 
manner.  — 

The  present  condition  of  the  Boston  Alms  House,  precludes  all 
possibility  of  extending  that  free  air,  exercise  and  healthful 
labour,  and  of  attaining  that  separation  from  the  contamination 
of  vicious  language  and  example,  which  is  requisite  and  due  to 
this  class.  Intimately  connected  with  this  topic  is  that  of  pro- 
viding for  those  idle  and  vicious  children,  of  both  sexes,  and 
different  ages,  which  often  under  the  command,  and  always  with 
the  permission  of  thoughtless  and  abandoned  parents,  are  found 
begging  in  our  streets,  or  haunting  our  wharfs,  or  market  places, 
sometimes  under  the  pretence  of  employ,  at  others  for  the  pur- 
pose of  watching  occasions  to  pilfer  small  articles,  and  thus 
beginning  a  system  of  petty  stealing  ;  which  terminate  often  in  the 
goal ;  often  in  the  penitentiary  ;   and  not  seldom,  at  the  gallows. 

Power  enough  already  exists,  in  the  hands  of  the  constituted 
authorities,  and  if  it  do  not,  might  easily  be  obtained,  to  rid  our- 
selves of  this  nuisance,  and  to  place  these  unfortunate  children 
under  either  a  system  of  discipline,  or  of  restraint ;  or  of  useful 
labour.  At  present,  however,  this  is  absolutely  impracticable. 
There  is  no  place,  suitable  for  their  reception.  The  present 
Alms  House  is  insufficient  for  its  present  tenants ;  more  it  is  im- 
possible to    [317]  accommodate.     A  work  house,  or  house  of 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  189 

industry,  is,  therefore,  absolutely  essential,  previously  to  taking 
any  steps  for  the  improvement  of  this  unhappy,  and  abandoned 
class,  of  children.  On  this  point,  your  committee  do  not  appre- 
hend that  any  thing  more  forcible  can  be  added,  to  make  the 
essential  nature  of  such  an  establishment  as  that,  which  they 
recommend,  apparent  and  unquestionable. 

The  fourth  class,  —  the  poor  by  reason  of  vice,  —  constitute, 
here,  every  where,  by  far  the  greater  part  of  the  poor;  — 
amounting  always,  probably  to  a  full  two  thirds  of  the  whole 
number  of  adult  poor.  As  it  is  for  these,  that  the  proposed 
house  of  industry  is  intended,  in  its  first  operations,  to  provide, 
the  present,  seems  a  proper  occasion  to  explain  the  general  views 
of  your  committee  in  relation  to  this  establishment ;  and  to  what 
objects  and  plans  those  views,  at  present,  and  to  what  they  ulti- 
mately extend.  Indolence,  intemperance  and  sensuality,  are  the 
great  causes  of  pauperism  in  this  country.  Notwithstanding  the 
imbecility  induced  by  their  habits  and  vices,  it  is  yet  found  by 
experience,  that  generally  speaking,  all  this  class  can  do  some- 
thing ;  and  very  many  of  them  a  great  deal ;  and  some  of  them 
fall  little,  and  often  not  at  all,  short  of  the  ability  to  perform, 
daily,  the  complete  task  of  a  day  labourer.  — 

The  present  accommodations  of  the  Boston  Alms  House,  not 
furnishing  the  means,  nor  the  space  for  actual  employ,  their 
labour  is  but  little,  and  of  small  account.  The  course  of  the 
practice  of  this  class  is,  to  come,  or  be  brought  to  the  Alms 
House  in  a  state  of  disease,  or  intoxication,  or,  in  the  winter  in 
actual  want,  and  after  [318]  passing  weeks,  or  months 
crowded  together  within  its  walls  ;  after  being  cured,  restored 
and  supported,  during  sickness  and  through  inclement  seasons, 
they  are  permitted  to  depart ;  to  enter  upon  the  same  career  of 
vice  and  indiilgence,  until  they  are  brought  back  again  ;  to  be 
again  supported  and  cured  ;  and  again  sent  forth  to  commence 
and  pursue  the  same  circle.  Now,  it  is  apparent,  that  so  long 
as  this  class  can  come  when  they  will,  and  depart  when  they  will, 
—  so  long  as  little,  or  no,  work  is  required  of  them,  within  the 
walls,  and  there  is  no  land  belonging  to  the  establishment,  on 
which  they  can  work,  without,  —  so  long  as  Alms  House  fare  is 
upon  a  level,  in  point  of  quality  and  comfort,  and  often  a  little 
superior  to  their  out-of-door  support  and  comforts,  —  that  they 
have  little,  or  no  inducement  either  to  labour  or  to  economize, 
in  order  to  prevent  their  being  compelled  to  resort  to  it ;  on  the 
contrary,  it  is  obvious  that  the  certainty  of  a  comfortable 
and  easy  life,  in  the  winter,  is  a  perpetual  and  very  effectual 
encouragement  to  a  thoughtless,  dissipated  and  self  indulgent 
course,  in  the  summer.  Accordingly  institutions  of  this  kind, when 
from  necessity,  or  any  other  circumstances,  they  are  conducted 
upon  such  principles,  may  justly  be  considered  as  encouraging 
and  augmenting  the  amount  of  pauperism  in  a  community.  It 
follows,  therefore,  from  these  considerations,  that  it  is  the  great 
duty  of  every  society  to  take  care  their  Alms  Houses  should  be 


190  City  Document  No.  128. 

provided  with  space  of  land  and  accommodations,  to  enable 
those,  who  have  the  superintendence  of  them  to  provide  work  for 
this  class;  and  for  every  class  in  it,  according  to  its  [319] 
ability ;  to  the  end  that  they  should  never  become  the  resort  of 
idleness,  for  indulgence ;  nor  of  vice  for  comfort ;  nor  of  disease, 
for  cure,  without  cost. 

Intimately  connected  with  these  vicious  poor,  is  that  turbulent 
and  profligate  class,  who,  travelling  the  high  road  of  shame  and 
ruin,  are  found  in  the  haunts  of  gambling,  intemperance  and 
debauchery ;  and  whose  quarrels,  originating  in  their  cups  or 
their  crimes,  give  continual  occupation  to  the  magistrates  and 
officers  of  police.  The  only  means,  to  which  it  is  now  in  the 
power  of  the  authorities  of  the  town  to  resort  for  the  purpose  of 
preserving  its  peace  from  being  disturbed  by  this  class,  are  war- 
rants of  Justices,  common  law  processes,  and  incurring  all  that 
trouble,  vexation  and  expense,  necessarily  consequent  upon  pro- 
ceedings of  this  nature.  These  means  partake  little  of  the  char- 
acter of  punishment ;  and  have  still  less  the  effect  of  reformation. 
Your  committee  have  reason  to  believe  that  offences  of  this  kind 
have  of  late,  greatly  increased ;  and  they  look  with  confidence 
towards  the  proposed  institutions,  as  a  means  of  diminishing  these 
evils,  of  breaking  up  the  haunts,  in  which  they  originate,  and 
relieving  the  town  from  a  great  expense,  to  which  it  is  at  present 
subjected. 

The  great  defect  of  our  present  establishment  is  that,  for  want 
of  space,  and  want  of  accommodation,  suitable  work  cannot  be 
provided. — Previous  to  its  being  practicable  to  make  any 
improvement  in  the  existing  arrangements  for  the  poor,  it  is  there- 
fore, indispensable  that  such  a  house  of  industry  should  be  estab- 
lished. — 

Having  unanimously  come  to  this  conclusion,  [330]  the  atten- 
tion of  your  committee  was  next  directed  to  the  subject  of  the 
place,  where  such  an  establishment,  taking  into  consideration  all 
the  interests  of  the  town,  had  best  be  located; — its  extent;  — 
probable  cost ;  —  and  the  general  principles  on  which  it  ought  to 
be  conducted.  The  result  of  their  investigations,  so  far  as  they 
deem  it  necessary  or  practicable,  they  now  ask  leave  to  suggest. 

With  respect  to  the  location  of  the  establishment,  a  great  pre- 
dilection prevailed  in  the  minds  of  a  majority  of  your  committee, 
in  favor  of  an  Island,  for  that  purpose ;  and  Deer  Island  it  was 
thought  would  be  very  proper  and  suitable.  In  order  to  satisfy 
themselves  upon  that  point,  they  paid  a  visit  to  it,  and  surveyed 
every  part  of  it,  and  after  inspection  and  consideration  of  all  its 
relations,  they  came  to  an  unanimous  opinion,  that  to  attempt  to 
locate  it  upon  any  island,  and  certainly  upon  that,  would  be 
highly  inexpedient.  The  soil  was  found  to  be  extremely  poor, 
the  situation  exposed,  and  the  great  difficulty  of  access  to  it  and 
return  from  it,  at  all  seasons  of  the  year,  with  certainty,  and  its 
absolute  impracticability  some  times  for  many  days,  or  even 
weeks,  in  winter,  were,  in  the  opinion  of  your  Committee  decisive 
objections. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  191 

There  is  no  truth,  in  relation  to  these  establishments  more  satis- 
factorily evidenced,  by  all  the  experience,  both  of  England  and 
Massachusetts,  than  that  their  success  depends  upon  their  being 
subjeciedto  the  constant  supervision  and  inspection  of  a  board  of 
superintendents,  composed  of  substantial,  intelligent  and  active 
inhabitants  of  the  tovjn,  or  viciJiity.  It  is  [331]  'H-Ot  suf- 
ficient that  these  should  be  men,  merely  in  easy  cii'cumstances, 
prudent,  intelligent  and  humane.  It  is  requisite  that  such  a 
board  should  be  composed  of  men,  bred  to  business,  and  accus- 
tomed to  deal  with  men,  in  the  laborious  walks  of  life  ;  who  know 
what  labor  is  ;  —  when  work  is  done  ;  —  and  are  capable  of  judg- 
ing by  the  eye,  or  by  examination,  whether  neglect,  or  refusal  to 
work,  be  through  mere  indolence,  or  real  imbecility.  It  may  be 
adopted  as  a  principle,  applicable  to  all  establishments  of  this 
kind,  that  they  cannot  be  well  conducted,  for  any  great  length  of 
time,  unless  at  least  a  considerable  part  of  the  board  be  men  of 
such  habits  and  experience.  Now  men,  of  this  class,  are  always 
men,  engaged  in  active  business.  To  command  their  services, 
it  is  necessary  that  every  facility  should  be  given  to  their  superin- 
tendence ;  that  it  should  be  enabled  to  be  regular,  uninterrupted 
and  certain.  The  location  of  the  establishment  in  a  situation 
where  access  to  it  will,  at  all  times,  be  easy  and  certain,  for  those 
charged  with  its  superintendence,  is  therefore,  in  the  opinion  of 
your  Committee,  essential  to  its  success  ;  and  that  therefore  a 
location  upon  an  island  is  highly  inexpedient.  — 

The  soil  of  Deer  island  is  also,  in  the  apprehension  of  your 
Committee,  another  and,  if  not  in  itself,  a  sufficient  objection,  is 
yet,  in  a  high  degree  corroborative  of  the  opinion,  they  have 
formed.  The  opportunity,  which  agriculture  affords  for  the 
economical  employment  of  pauper  industry,  is  one  of  the  most 
favorable  circumstances,  to  .promote  the  success  of  such  establish- 
ments. It  is  plain,  that  [333]  success  in  this  respect,  depends 
upon  whatever  promotes,  or  prevents,  the  success  in  other  agri- 
cultural operations.  If  therefore,  the  first  location  of  such  estab- 
lishment be  on  a  soil,  singularly  inauspicious,  inconvenient,  or 
impracticable,  the  result  must  be  proportionably  unfavorable.  A 
good  and  an  easy  soil  not  only  possesses  this  general  advantage, 
but  there  is  also  an  incidental  one,  resulting  from  the  encourage- 
ment and  excitement  given  to  the  paupers  themselves,  by  such 
facility  in  the  course  of  their  labours.  It  is  found,  that  when 
judiciously  managed,  even  the  paupers  themselves,  may  be  made 
to  take  an  interest,  and  even  a  pride,  in  the  productive  results  of 
their  garden,  or  cultivated  field ;  and  evei'y  thing,  which  has  a 
tendency  to  prevent  disappointment,  in  this  respect,  has  a  ten- 
dency to  excite  and  support  the  feelings,  upon  which  such  interest 
depends.  The  soil  of  Deer  island  is  in  a  great  proportion  sand. 
Whatever  there  be  of  good  soil,  is  high,  exposed  and  inconvenient 
of  access.  On  these  accounts,  as  well  as  others,  not  necessary 
to  detail,  your  Committee  came  to  the  unanimous  opinion,  that 
Deer  island  was  not  a  proper  site  for  the  location  of  the  pro- 
posed establishment. 


192  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  Town  lands  on  the  neck,  also  some  situations  at  South 
Boston,  were  suggested  to  your  Committee.  But  as  the  deter- 
mination upon  the  site,  should  it  result  in  favor  of  land,  at 
present,  the  property  of  any  private  individual,  might,  if  known, 
materially  affect  the  value  of  those  lands,  and  the  price  to  the 
town,  your  Committee  thought  it  most  [333]  adviseable  not  to 
proceed  farther,  until  the  opinion  of  the  town  was  ascertained 
upon  the  expediency  of  establishing  a  house  of  industry.  After 
this  was  settled,  they  apprehended  that  the  questions  concerning 
the  location,  the  form,  the  extent  of  both  the  lands  and  buildings, 
as  also  of  the  principles,  on  which  the  establishment  should  be 
conducted,  would  be  left  best  to  the  discretion  of  a  responsible 
Committee,  to  be  appointed  by  the  town. 

With  respect  to  the  cost  of  such  an  establishment,  it  is  obvious 
this  must  depend  upon  particulars,  not  at  present  precisely  to  be 
ascertained,  such  as  —  whether  the  spot,  selected  for  its  location, 
be  on  land,  at  present  owned  by  the  town,  or  on  land  to  be  pur- 
chased ;  in  the  last  case,  —  the  value  of  such  land,  —  and  the 
number  of  the  poor,  for  which  it  will  be  necessary  to  provide  in 
this  institution.  On  these,  and  other  details,  of  a  very  general 
character,  will  ultimately  depend  the  expense  of  any  such  new 
establishment. 

In  the  opinion  of  your  Committee,  however,  the  establishment 
is  indispensable,  in  the  actual  condition  of  the  pauper  relations 
of  the  town  ;  and  that,  in  no  event,  the  expense  can  be  such,  as 
to  form  a  reason  against  commencing  it  upon  some  scale,  suited 
to  the  actual  necessity  existing,  in  this  respect.  The  general 
view  and  opinions  of  your  Committee,  on  this  subject,  are  these, 
—  that  measures  should  be  immediately  taken  to  obtain  sufficient 
land  for  the  location  of  it ;  —  not  less  fifty  acres  ;  —  that,  in  this 
location,  considerations  of  local  benefit,  or  of  small  [334] 
difference  of  price,  should  have  little,  or  no  influence.  The  best 
position  for  such  an  establishment  should  be  secured^  icith  a 
single  eye  to  the  permanent  interest  of  the  town,  and  idthnate 
success  of  the  institution;  —  that  buildings  should  then  be 
erected  on  a  plan,  sufficiently  extensive,  to  accommodate  forth- 
with, the  greatest  average  of  able  poor,  which  are  usually  ten- 
ants of  the  Alms  House  every  year.  —  This  cannot  exceed  two 
hundred  persons  ;  —  that  the  plan  of  the  estabhshment  should  be 
such  as  to  be  capable  of  being  extended,  if  hereafter  it  should  be 
deemed  expedient,  and  so  constructed  as  to  separate  and  provide 
for  the  distinct  accommodation  of  the  different  classes  of  the 
poor,  whose  different  claims  upon  society  have  herein  before  been 
stated. 

For  all  the  purposes  of  purchasing  the  requisite  land,  should  a 
purchase  be  deemed  expedient,  of  erecting  all  the  buildings 
necessary,  the  present  year,  an  appropriation  of  twenty  thousand 
dollars,  will,  in  the  opinion  of  your  Committee,  be  sufficient. 
Should  experience  justify  an  increase  of  the  institution,  the  ex- 
penditure required,  will  of  course,  have  relation  to  such  increase. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  193 

It  will  be  perceived  by  their  fellow  citizens,  that  the  resolu- 
tions, submitted  for  their  consideration  and  adoption,  embrace 
topics  of  a  more  general  character,  than  that  of  simply  erecting 
a  house  of  industry. 

In  their  apprehension,  the  present  occasion  shonld  not  be 
omitted  to  cause  full  survey  to  be  taken  of  [335]  all  the  public 
provisions  for  the  poor,  subsisting  within  the  town,  and  to  ascertain, 
as  far  as  practicable,  in  what  forms  and  to  what  amount  every 
general  public  charity  is  extended  and  applied ;  to  the  end  of  pro- 
ducing, if  possible,  a  general  sentiment  and  a  unity  of  action 
among  all  the  societies  and  incorporations  of  this  nature,  for  the 
purpose  of  making  industry,  morality  and  economy,  in  all  of 
them,  indispensable  conditions  of  relief ;  and  of  putting  an  end, 
as  far  as  can  be  effected,  to  indiscriminate  charity,  and  to  street 
beggary. 

How  far  it  is  possible  to  adopt  any  general  system,  in  relation 
to  these  objects,  may,  perhaps,  be  questionable.  The  attempt, 
however,  cannot  be  disadvantageous.  A  full  knowledge  of  all 
the  pauper  relations  of  the  town  cannot  fail  to  be  useful,  and 
may  lead,  through  the  means  of  recommendation,  or  by  affecting 
public  sentiment,  or  otherwise,  to  such  a  course  of  proceeding, 
in  relation  to  the  distribution  of  pubhc  bounty,  as  may  tend  to 
repress  the  mischievous  effects  of  that  weak  and  listless  sensi- 
bility, miscalled  benevolence,  which  scatters  its  bounty  without 
discrimination,  pampering  vice,  fostering  indolence,  encouraging 
audacious  pretence,  and  thus,  while  it  does  little,  or  no  good, 
and  sometimes  positive  injury  to  the  individual,  increases,  and 
perpetuates,  and  makes  more  troublesome  and  virulent,  the  whole 
mass  of  pauperism  in  the  community. 

Under  these  convictions  and  with  these  views  your  Committee 
recommend  the  adoption  of  the  following  votes  by  the  town. — 
For  the  Committee. 

Josiah  Quincy,  Chairman  — 

[336.]  Voted,  That  it  is  expedient  to  establish,  forthwith 
within  this  town,  a  House  of  Industry 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  consisting  of 

persons,  with  full  authority  to  select  a  suitable  place  for  the 
erection  of  a  House  of  Industry,  with  an  extent  of  land,  attached 
to  it,  not  less  than  fifty  acres ;  and  that  the  said  Committee  be 
authorized  to  take  any  of  the  unappropriated  lands,  belonging  to 
the  town,  for  that  purpose  ;  or,  in  case  they  deem  any  other  spot, 
or  like  extent  of  land,  within  the  town,  a  better  location  for  such 
an  estabhshment,  than  any  the  town  now  possesses,  that  they  be 
authorized  to  purchase  the  same ;  and  that  the  said  Committee  be 
instructed  to  proceed  forthwith  to  erect  suitable  buildings ;  and 
to  form  a  system  for  the  conduct  of  such  institution,  and  to 
report  their  proceedings,  in  the  premises,  from  time  to  time  to  the 
town  as  they  may  deem  expedient. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  appointed  by  the  preceding  vote. 


19-i  City  Document  No.  128. 

be  authorized  to  draw  on  the  town  treasurer  for  such  sum,  or 
sums  of  money,  as  may  from  time  to  time  be  found  necessary, 
for  the  carrying  into  effect  the  purposes  therein  expressed  ;  Pro- 
vided always  that  the  amount  of  said  drafts  shall  never  exceed 
Tice7ity  Thousand  Dollars. 

Voted,  That  the  Report  this  day  made  to  the  Town  on  the  sub- 
ject of  Pauperism  and  a  House  of  Industry,  be  referred  to  the 
Committee,  appointed  by  the  preceding  votes,  and  that  they  be 
instructed  to  take  into  consideration  the  various  subjects  [3^7] 
suggested  in  it  and  particularly  to  inquire  into  the  general  state 
of  the  i^oor  and  also  into  the  number  &  condition  of  the  out-of- 
door  poor  assisted  by  Overseers  within  the  town,  and  concerning 
the  operations,  effects,  modes,  and  principles  of  extending  relief 
to  the  poor,  adopted  by  the  various  charitable  institutions  existing 
in  it ;  and  from  time  to  time  to  report  such  measures  in  relation 
to  the  whole,  or  any,  of  the  subjects  aforesaid,  as  they  may  deem 
it  expedient  for  the  town  to  adopt. — 

Appendix 
A. 

The  Sub-Committee  appointed  to  consider  what  provisions  are 
made  in  the  nature  of  a  Work  House  or  Bridewell,  for  vagrants 
and  dissolute  persons,  and  to  inquire  into  the  existing  establish- 
ments of  the  town  in  this  respect,  ask  leave  to 

Report ;  ■ 

That  on  Saturday  afternoon,  accompanied  by  several  other 
members  of  the  general  Committee,  they  waited  on  the  Overseers 
of  the  poor,  at  the  Alms  House,  in  Leverett  Street,  and  were 
conducted  thro'  that  building  and  the  smaller  buildings  within 
the  enclosure  of  its  yard. 

The  Sub-Committee  found  that  establishment  to  be  totally 
distinct  from,  and  by  its  construction  incompatible  with  the 
arrangements  necessary  for  a  Bridewell  or  place  of  correction  for 
vagrant  and  dissolute  persons  ;  and  that  whenever  any  such  ai'e 
received  in  that  institution,  they  are  placed  nearly  in  the  same 
situation  with  those  unfortunate  and  honest  members  of  the 
community,  whom  disease  or  age  have  rendered  incapable  of 
[338]  procuring  a  livelihood — The  Sub  Committee  learned  that 
the  buildings  formerly  belonging  to  the  Town  near  the  Common, 
consisted  of  two  ranges ;  one  of  which  was  used  as  an  Alms 
House,  for  the  reception  of  persons  whom  it  became  a  duty  of 
charity,  to  relieve  from  distress  and  the  other  as  a  Work  House, 
where  disorderly  and  dissolute  persons  were  restrained  of  their 
liberty,  and  compelled  to  work  for  their  support ;  and  that 
between  these  there  was  a  smaller  building  with  grated  cells, 
called  a  Bridewell,  which  served  as  a  place  for  the  punishment  of 
such  as  conducted  [themselves]  improperly  while  subject  to  the 
discipline  of  the  institution. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  195 

When  the  new  buildings  were  erected  in  Leverett  Street,  the 
whole  sum  appropriated  to  the  purpose,  was  expended  in  the 
erection  of  a  house  exclusively  designed  as  an  Alms  House,  or 
place  for  the  reception,  of  infirm,  diseased,  aged  and  children  of 
both  sexes ;  and  the  apartments  were  constructed  entirely  with 
that  view.  Of  course  this  large  and  expensive  pile  of  buildings, 
which  is  so  honorable  to  the  liberality  and  benificence  of  the 
town,  is  incapable  without  great  inconvenience,  of  being  appro- 
priated to  any  other  purpose ;  there  is  but  one  room  in  which  any 
kind  of  labour  can  be  conveniently  performed,  and  the  necessity 
which  is  sometimes  felt,  of  converting  any  part  of  it  to  other 
purposes,  is  an  infringement  on  the  objects  for  which  it  was  origi- 
nally designed. 

Because,  however,  there  is  within  the  town,  no  place  properly 
designed  as  a  Work  House,  and  because  [339]  that  class  of 
vagabonds  who  would  become  the  tenants  of  such  a  building, 
are  by  our  laws,  under  the  control,  in  some  degree,  of  the  Over- 
seers of  the  poor,  they  have  from  time  to  time,  been  sent  to  that 
place ;  and  many  have  always  been  there,  whom  it  was  any- 
thing but  charity  to  support  in  idleness,  and  to  provide  with  the 
comforts  of  such  an  institution.  The  Sub-Committee  saw  many 
whom  they  believed,  under  proper  regulations  in  a  suitable  place, 
might  be  made  to  support  themselves.  — 

From  the  necessity  of  the  case,  the  Overseers  have  been 
obliged  to  enlarge  a  building  originally  designed  as  a  bath  house, 

and  use  it  as  a  Bridewell ;  in  which  they  have  constructed 

small  cells  that  are  occupied  by  such  disorderly  persons  as  seem 
most  to  require  to  be  punished  by  confinement.  But  not  only 
does  this  seem  to  the  Sub-Committee  to  be  objectionable,  by 
depriving  the  institution  of  a  part  of  its  original  accommodation 
indispensable  to  cleanliness  and  health  —  but  because  its  size  and 
construction  is  hardly  more  than  is  necessary  as  a  restraint  to 
perverse  order,  without  any  reference  to  profitable  employment. 
Confinement  in  it  must  be  temporary  and  occasional  and  the 
apprehension  of  its  discipline,  forms  no  part  of  the  terrors  of 
such  a  place  to  persons  abroad. 

The  Sub-Committee  find  by  a  reference  to  the  laws  of  this 
country,  passed  at  sundry  times  by  the  colonial,  provincial  and 
state  authorities,  that  a  Work  House,  or  place  where  idle  and 
dissolute  persons,  should  be  compelled  to  labour  for  subsistence 
[330]  was  uniformly  a  part  of  the  system  of  police.  So  early 
as  1662,  authority  was  given  magistrates  to  arrest  "  rogues  and 
vagabonds,"  and  confine  them  in  the  "  house  of  correction." 

In  1699,  a  provincial  act  was  passed  for  suppressing  and  pun- 
ishing of  rogues,  vagabonds,  common  beggars,  and  other  lewd, 
idle  and  disorderly  persons,  and  also,  for  setting  the  poor  to 
work,  by  which,  among  other  things,  provision  is  made  for 
erecting  and  governing  a  house  of  correction  in  every  county,  and 
that  common  drunkards,  common  night-walkers,  pilferers,  wanton 
and   and  lascivious  persons,  either  in  speech  or  behaviour,  com- 


196  City  Document  No.  128. 

mon  railers  and  brawlers,  such  as  neglect  their  calling,  and  do 
not  provide  for  their  famiUes,  stubborn  servants  and  children, 
fortune  tellers,  strollers  and  beggars,  should  be  confined,  and 
made  to  work. 

In  1735,  a  special  act  on  this  subject,  relative  to  the  town  of 
Boston,  was  passed  by  the  Legislature,  and  confirmed  by  the 
G-eneral  Court,  under  the  present  Constitution,  in  1789,  which 
confers  certain  privileges  as  to  the  erection  and  governing  these 
buildings,  suited  to  the  condition  of  a  growing  metropolis ;  and 
under  the  provisions  of  which,  many  of  the  powers,  in  this  respect 
continue  to  be  exercised.  —  And  the  necessity  of  some  institution 
of  a  similar  plan  was  so  apparent,  that  in  the  year  1744,  the 
General  Court  passed  an  act  for  all  the  province,  authorising  any 
one  town,  or  any  two  or  more  towns,  united  together,  to  erect 
and  govern  a  house  of  correction,  for  the  resti'aining  of  the 
[331]  dissolute  poor,  and  compelling  them  to  labour.  The 
Statute  of  this  Commonwealth  passed  26th  March,  1788,  seems 
to  be  imperative  on  the  Courts  of  Sessions  for  the  several  coun- 
ties to  provide  houses  of  correction,  and  declare  that  until  such 
are  erected,  "  the  common  prison  in  each  county,  shall  be  made 
use  of  for  that  purpose. "  But  the  common  prison  in  Suffolk 
County,  has  long  been  useless  for  this  object ;  and  the  Sub-Com- 
mittee do  not  learn  that  the  new  one  erecting  by  the  County,  is 
planned  or  adapted  to  such  purpose.  —  Indeed,  the  two  estabhsh- 
ments  are  so  different  as  to  render  their  union  almost  imprac- 
ticable.— 

The  Sub- Committee  refer  to  these  various  laws  to  show  that 
the  wisdom  of  the  government  has  always  been  decidedly 
expressed  in  favor  of  some  establishment  for  the  purpose  now 
contemplated  &  which  is  more  obviously  necessary  in  a  large  sea- 
port town  than  in  any  other  part  of  the  state.  The  circumstances 
already  stated  will  show  as  they  think  a  satisfactory  reason  why 
at  present  and  for  many  years  past  there  has  been  wanting  this 
necessary  part  of  police  within  the  town  of  Boston. 

The  Sub-Committee  do  not  deem  it  within  their  province  to  ex- 
tend this  report  by  displaying  the  various  facts  and  arguments 
which  may  prove  the  utility  of  a  Bridewell  or  house  of  correction 
under  proper  regulations ;  but  they  deem  their  commission  dis- 
charged by  reporting  to  the  general  Committee  That  There  is 
Not  at  Present  Any  Sxdtahle  Institution  of  This  Kind  Under 
Direction  of  the  Toio7i  [33'^]  or  County. 

James  T.  Austin,  for  the  Committee. 


(B.) 

Schedule  of  the  expense  of  the  Poor  of  Marblehead  from  March 
1820  to  March  1821. 

Amount   of   orders   drawn   on    the   Town   Treasury       4534.17 
Deduct  amount  rec**.  for  State  Paupers      -        575.90 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  197 

ditto  paid  by  other  towns 549.31 

ditto  paid  for  Cart,  Plough,  &  Cows  -     -  98.  — 

ditto  amount  paid  on  old  account       -     -  517.69 
ditto  supplies  furnished  poor  out  of  the 

house  1,417.80       3158.70 

Expense  of  the  Poor  House $1375.47 

In  addition  to  which  one  thousand  days'  work  were  done  by 
eight  men  on  the  highway. 

(C.) 

Report  of  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor  of   the  Town  of  Salem, 
March  1,  1821. 

Amount   of   orders   drawn  on    the  Town 

Treasury $11268.78 

Deduct  Amount  received  from   the  State 

for  support  of  State  Poor $5504.84 

ditto  amount  paid  for  repairs  «fe  improve- 
ments          1467.49        6972.33 

Net  amount  for  Town  Poor 4296.40 

In  the  above  sum  of  $4,296.40,  are  included  all  supplies  to 
poor  persons  not  inhabitants  of  the  Alms  House,  to  paupers 
belonging  to  other  towns,  and  the  amount  paid  the  gaoler  for  the 
board  of  poor  persons  in  gaol,  including  inhabitants  of  Salem, 
State  poor,  and  persons  belonging  to  other  towns.  A  part  of 
the  expense  thus  incurred  for  other  towns,  is  now  [333]  due  to 
the  Town  of  Salem. — Value  of  supplies  granted  to  poor  persons 
not  inhabitants  of  the  Alms  House,  from  March  1^*  1820,  to 
March  1^*  1821,  including  State  Paupers,  and  persons  belonging 
to  other  towns,  estimated  at  $1090.87. 

Number  of  Paupers  in  the  Alms  House  Mar.  1,  1820     -     -     337 
Entered  during  the  year  ending  March  1,1821     -     -     -     -     869 

706 
Discharged  and  died  during  the  year       --....-     341 

Whole  number  in  the  Alms  House,  March  1,  1821  -     .  -     365 

Whole  number  in  the  Alms  House,  March  1,  1820  -     -  -     337 

Whole  number  in  the  Alms  House,  March  1,  1819  -     -  -     273 

Whole  number  in  the  Alms  House,  March  1,  1818  -     -  -     292 

The  average  number  of  Paupers  in  the  old  Work  House  for  the 

last  twenty  four  years  the  poor  resided  there,  viz.  from  1793  to 
1816,  was  120.— 


Account  of  the  Expenditure  of  the  Town  for  the  support  of 
the  Poor  for  the  last  ten  years. — 


198 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Net  Am*,  for 

Am*,  of  orders  All  Credits  to 

support  of 

drawn. 

be  deducted. 

Town  Poor. — 

Year  1811 

$9659.83 

$2404.75 

$7255.08 

1812 

10237.06 

2679.38 

7557.68 

1813 

13805.86 

2850.03 

10955.83 

1814 

15795.96 

3016.75 

12779.21 

1815 

11121.52 

3622.28 

7499.24 

1816 

13090.67 

5442.62 

7646.05 

1817 

16231.44 

6585.44 

9646. 

1818 

15886.91 

6724.14 

9162.77 

1819 

15219.83 

8212.36 

7007.47 

1820 

11268.73 

6972.33 

4296.40 

D. 

Alms  House,  April  24*'^.  1821 
Sir, 

By  direction  of  the  Board  of  Overseers  of  tiie  [334]  Poor 
the  following  statement  is  transmitted  in  answer  to  your  last 
inquiry. — 

I  am,  Sir,  your  very  humble 
Servant,  Bedford  Webster. 

To  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  the  Town  on  the  subject 
of  a  House  of  Industry,  &c. 

Drafts  on  Town  Treasurer 26,374.12 

Received  of  Firewards  for  forfeiture  of  Gunpowder  149.30 

"      for  sales  Oakum     -     - 1312.83 

"      for  rent  of  Wharf 527.00 

"  this  year  balances  of  accounts  settled 
with  other  towns  and  persons,  much  of 
which  had  been  standing  for  several 
years '    -     -  3949.16 

Amount  received  from  the  State  for    -----      $32,312.41 
the  support  of  State  Poor     --------        12,377.88 

Net  amount  for  Town  Poor -     $19,934.53 

Of  the  above  sum  there  were  paid  out  of  the  house 
—  for  paupers  in  gaol  —  board  of  insane  poor  in 
the  Asylum  and  at  other  places  —  allowance  to 
poor  persons  and  families  vathout  the  house  — 
and  disbursments  of  the  Overseers  in  the  wards, 
&c,  c&c $14433.70 

Hon.  Josiah  Quincy,  Joseph  Lovering,  James  Savage,  Henry 
J.  Oliver,  Francis  Welch,  Ebenezer  Frances,  Thomas  Howe, 
W™.  Thurston,  Abram  Babcock,  Samuel  A.  Wells,  James  T. 
Austin,  Benj^.  Rich  &  Joseph  Woodward  Esq*'^.,  were  nominated 
from  the  chair,  and  appointed  a  Committee,  in  conformity  to  the 
second  vote. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  182  i.  199 

The  Town  Meeting  was  then  dissolved. — 

Attest  Thomas  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 


[335.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  &  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  holden  at  Faueuil  Hall,  on  Mon- 
day the  14"\  day  of  May  A.D.  1821.  10  o'clock  A.M.— 

Prayer  by  Rev.  Doct.  Baldwin. — 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting,  read. — 

Paragraph  of  the  Constitution  relative  to  the  choice  of  Repre- 
sentatives —  read  — 

A  communication  was  received  from  the  Assessors  stating 
"  that  they  have  not  yet  completed  the  taking  the  Polls  and 
Estates  in  the  Town  of  Boston ;  they  find  in  the  Wards  where 
they  have  already  been,  that  the  number  does  not  materially  differ 
from  the  last  year ;  they  therefore,  are  of  opinion  that  the  whole 
number  will  exceed  Ten  thousand  Polls,  the  present  year,  which 
will  entitle  the  Town  to  more  than  forty  five  Representatives." — 

A  motion  was  made,  and  seconded,  to  choose  twenty  five  per- 
sons to  represent  the  Town  in  the  General  Court,  the  year  ensu- 
ing ;  The  motion  being  put  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen,  it 
passed  unanimously  in  the  affirmative. — 

Voted,  That  the  Poll  shall  be  closed  at  1  o'clock 

[336.]  The  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  requested  the  Inhab- 
itants to  prepare  and  bring  in  their  votes  for  twenty  five  persons, 
to  represent  the  Town  in  the  G-eneral  Court  the  year  ensuing. 

At  the  close  of  the  Poll,  it  appeared  that  the  whole  number  of 
Votes  was _     .     .     .     .     1610 


Necessary  to  make  a  choice 806 

The  following    Gentlemen    had  the  number  of  votes    set  against 

their    respective    names,  and   were   declared   to  be  duly   elected 

Representatives  for  the  ensuing  year.  — viz. 

Hon.  Josiah  Quincy  -     -     1094      Nathan  Appleton      -     -     1074 

"    William  Prescott  -     1077      Lynde  Walter      -     -     -     1564 

"    Peter  C.  Brooks    -     1071      Eliphalet  Williams    -     -     1483 

"    Thomas  H.Perkins     1081      John  Cotton   -     -     -     -       988 

Benjamin     Russell  Jonathan  Philhps      -     -       981 

Esq.    -     -     -     -     1070      Francis  C.  Gray  -     -     -     1476 


200  City  Document  No.  128. 

James  Savage  -  -  1085  [331]     Theodore    Ly- 

William  Tudor  -  1089          man  Jr. 980 

Gedney  King    -  -  1088  Francis  J.  Oliver      -     -  979 

Heman  Lincoln  -  1578  G-eorge  W.  Otis  -     -     -  986 

Edmund  Winchester  1579  Henry  Bass     -     -     -     -  882 

Nathan  Hale     -  -  1088  Benjamin  West    -     -     -  1276 

Joseph  Lovering  -  1080  William  Shimmin      -     -  858 

Enoch  Silsby    -  -  1090 

The  names  of  persons  voted  for,  who  did  not  obtain  a  majority 
of  votes. — viz  — 

Lewis  Tappan  496,  George  Sullivan  506,   David  W.  Child  501, 
Edw.  Graft  491,  Jeremiah  G-ore  488,  Robt.  Fennelly  506,  David 
Elhs  485,  Sam.  H.  Walley  509,  Isaac  Stevens  502,   Sam\  Hich- 
born  Jr.  494,  Ja^  Loving  505,  S.  P.  Tarbell  491,  Thomas  Dean 
499,  Geo.  W.  Coffin  505,  Edm^.  Kimball  500,  Barzilha  Homes 
511,    Eleazer  Howard  495,  Cyrus  Alger  499,  A.  P.  Cleveland 
488. —  Scattering  viz.  Sam'.  L.  Knapp  9,  James  T.  Austin  8, 
Sam'.  A.  Wells  7,  H.  Dearborn  6,  H.  Orne  6,    Rev.    Thomas 
Baldwin  5.— S.  Billings  5,  W"\  Gray  5,  Doct  W™.  Ingalls   6, 
W".  Gale  5,  John  Howe  2,  David  Henshaw  4,  Charles  Hood   4 
Henry  N.  Rogers  2,  W.  D.  Sohier  2,  W".  Homer  2,  Ab.  Wild  2 
Thomas  Thaxter  2,  Jn°.  Tappan  3,  G.  Bond  2,  S.  Hooper  2,  A 
Peabody  2,  D.  Messinger  3,  R.  D.  Tucker  3,  Sam'.  Hubbard  4 
Jos.  Haven  2,  W°^.  Dehon  2,  Enoch  Bartlett  2,  Thomas  Cordis  2 
Sam'.  Fales  2,  Tho«.  Wells  2,  T.  K.  Thomas  2,  John  Fox  2 
Cha^  Winslow  2,  Ja^  Read  2,  W^.   Sturgis  3,   Sam'.  Adams  3 
John  Lepean  2,  D.  Wild  2,  Luke  Eastman  2,  Lem'.  Shaw  2,  W"^ 
Wyman  2,  J.  vSears  3,  Joshua  Davis  2,  Enos  Cobb  2,  Jn°.  Par 
ker  2,  Jom*^.  Jewett  2,  Thomas  Jackson  3,  Geo.  Hallet  3,  Jon-*^ 
Mason  4,  Benj^.  Smith  2,  D.   Sharp  3,  P.  Dean  4,  T.  Lewis  3 
D.  Baxter  3.— T.  Badger  2,  R.   Sturgis  3,  A.  Dunlap  4,  W 
Donnison    3.—  [338]  J.  Stearns  2,  Abram  Babcock    2,  John 
Odin  2,  Thomas  Holt  2,  Lewis  Lerow  2,  W".  Sullivan  2,  &  H 
Atkins,  J.  Winslow,  J.  Davis,  J.  W.  Revere,  B.  Whitman,  G 
Fairbanks,  S.  Fairbanks,  Jon^.  Loring,  T.  Dennie,  W.  H.  Sum 
ner,  H.  Codman,  Benj'^.  Winslow,  S.  H.  Parker,  Benj'^.  Loring 
M.  Brimmer,  H.  G.  Otis  Jr.  Ab.  Wood,    Azor   Orne,    N.   M 
Dearborn,  Jo^.  Brazer,  Asa  Whitney,  Aaron  Hill,  Ed.  Jones,  A 
Binney,    T.    L.  Winthrop,    H.    Fuller,    Lot   Wheelright,  G.    J 
Homer,  Asher  Adams,  J.  Putnam,  D.  Tuttle,  W".  Little,  Ja^ 
Lloyd,  Jn°.  Howe,  Jn°.  Bellows,  H.  L.  Cushman,  S.  A.  Shed 
Ter.  Wakefield,  A.  O.  Barton,  Josh.  Gray,  Seth  Copeland,  Jn° 
Drayton,  Ch^  M.  Domett,  Ben.  Porter,  Eben  White,  Jer.  Bond 
Ed.  Quincy,  N.  P.  Russell,  Jos.  P.  Bradstreet,  Horace  H.  Good, 
man,  F.  Tufts,  R.  B.  Callender,  W™.  Plimpton,  Jacob  Peabody 
Fra^  Welch,  James  Davis,  Jon^.  Carleton,  Geo.  J.  Homer,  Nat 
Willis,  Jos.  Jones,  H.  J.  Oliver,  Jn°.  C.  Procter,  Ab.  Moore,  N 
Dearborn,  James  Brewer,  Edw.  Kendall,  J.  H.  Wheeler,  Jon-^ 
Whitney,  D.  Sears,  Jon'^.  Thaxter,  Harry  Oliver,  Henry  Emmons 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  201 

Jonas  Bass,  Joseph  Coolidge,  Adam  Bent,  Cyrus  Cyecy,  Otis 
Everett,  Jos.  Sewall,  C.  P.  Curtis,  W"^.  J.  Spooner,  Asa 
Whitney,  one  each. — 

The  Meeting  was  then  Dissolved. 

Attest  Thomas  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 


[339.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhab- 
itants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  qualified  to  vote  in  town  affairs,  in 
Faneuil  Hall  on  Monday  the  28*^  day  of  May  A.D.  1821.— 

The  Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  being  read. — 

Stephen  Codman,  was  chosen  Moderator. — 

The  Town  Clerk  being  absent  by  reason  of  sickness,  it  was 
voted,  that  a  Town  Clerk  pro.  tem.  be  chosen. 

Voted,  That  he  be  chosen  by  nomination,  and  that  the  nomina- 
tion proceed  from  the  chair.  Whereupon,  Samuel  A.  Wells,  was 
nominated,  and  chosen,  and  sworn  to  the  faithful  performance  of 
the  duties  of  the  office,  the  Oath  being  administered  by  the  chair- 
man of  the  Selectmen,  in  open  town  meeting. — 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  was  then  read. — 
The  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  stated  to  the  Town,  that  since 
the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  had  been  made  out,  he 
had  been  informed  by  the  Chairman  of  the  Board  of  Overseers  of 
the  poor  that  they  should  not  require  so  large  an  amount  as  they 
had  stated  to  be  necessary,  to  tlie  Committee  of  Finance,  by  five 
thousand  dollars,  therefore  the  amount  required  of  the  town 
would  be  five  thousand  dollars  less  than  the  amount  stated  in  the 
report ;  it  was  then  moved,  that  the  sum  of  One  hundred  and 
thirty  four  thousand  [340]  five  hundred  Dollars  be  raised,  and 
that  Two  thousand  five  hundred  Dollars  be  considered  as  included 
in  that  sum  for  the  purpose  of  lighting  the  Lamps  during  the 
Summer,  which  after  debate  passed  in  the  negative  —  Moved  and 
Voted,  That  the  report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  be  amended, 
by  reducing  the  amount  required  by  the  Overseers  of  the  Poor, 
Five  thousand  Dollars,  and  that  the  sum  of  One  hundred  and 
thirty  two  thousand  dollars  be  raised  to  pay  the  current  expenses 
of  the  Town  the.  ensuing  year. — 

Moved  :  That  upon  the  representation  of  the  doings  and  pro- 
ceedings of  Turner  Phillips,  Treasurer  and  Collector  of  Taxes  of 
the  Town  of  Boston,  the  preceding  year  :  Voted :  That  the  Town 
of  Boston  approve  the  conduct  of  said  Turner  Phillips  in  the  said 
Offices  of  Treasurer  and  Collector,  and  that  he  has  faithfully  and 


202  City  Document  No.  128. 

fully  as  was  in  his  power  completed  the  execution  of  his  duty  in 
said  Offices  to  which  he  had  been  appointed  as  aforesaid  and  that 
he  be  excused  from  all  delinquency  or  default,  in  not  having 
effected  a  full  aud  complete  settlement  of  Taxes  by  him  to  have 
been  received  or  collected  according  to  law. 

Voted,  That  the  Town  Treasurer  and  Collector  be  authorized  to 
borrow  with  the  approbation  of  the  Committee  of  Finance,  such 
sum  of  money,  as  shall  be  found  necessary  for  the  service  of  the 
Town  the  ensuing  year. — 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid,  [341]  unto  Thomas 
Dawes,  the  sum  of  Seven  hundred  and  fifty  Dollars  for  his  Salary 
as  Judge  of  the  Municipal  Court  the  present  year. — 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  Thomas  Clark, 
Town  Clerk,  the  sum  of  One  thousand  dollars,  for  his  Salary  the 
present  year. — 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  each  of  the  per- 
manent Assessors,  the  sum  of  One  thousand  dollars  as  their 
salary  for  the  present  year. — 

Voted,  That  the  Salary  of  the  Town  Treasurer  and  Collector 
be  referred  to  the  adjournment  of  this  meeting. — 

Voted,  That  there  be  allowed  and  paid  unto  the  chairman  of 
the  board  of  Selectmen  the  sum  of  twelve  hundred  dollars  per 
year,  as  the  Salary  for  services  in  that  office. — 

The  Petition  of  John  E,.  Child  and  others  requesting  that  the 
Selectmen  may  be  authorized  to  appoint  more  than  one  Sealer  of 
Weights  and  Measures,  should  they  deem  it  expedient,  where- 
upon Voted,  That  the  prayer  of  the  Petition  be  granted. 

On  the  Petition  of  William  Andrews  and  others  praying  that 
the  town  would  make  additional  allowance,  to  the  Pound  Keeper 
and  Field  Driver  at  South  Boston,  beyond  the  fees  established  by 
law. 

[342.]  It  was  Voted;  That  the  petitioners  have  leave  to 
withdraw  their  petition. — 

On  the  Petition  of  Josiah  Jones  and  others,  praying  that  the 
Town  would  petition  the  Legislature,  to  alter  or  repeal  the  law 
restricting  the  inhabitants  from  erecting  buildings  of  wood  within 
the  town  to  ten  feet :  it  was  Voted :  That  the  petition  be  referred 
to  a  Committee,  consisting  of  one  from  each  Ward,  in  conjunc- 
tion with  the  Moderatoi"  of  this  meeting,  who  is  to  be  chairman  of 
the  Committee.  Voted :  That  the  said  Committee  be  selected, 
by  a  committee  of  Nomination,  and  that  the  three  first  signers 
of  the  petition,  if  present,  be  chosen. 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1821.  203 

Voted :  That  three  persons  in  addition   be  nominated  from  the 
the  chair :  whereupon 

r  William  W.  Blake 

of  the  Petitioners  )  Seth  Copeland 

(^  David  C.  Jacobs 

TV      .     ,    ,  ,  f  Francis  J.  Oliver 

Nominated  by  i  t  t^     j 

4-1,     li/T  ^      i.  s  James  Reed 

the  Moderator  1  -,         i,  ^  n     j 

(^  Joseph  Callender, 

were  selected  and  who  retired,  and  reported  the  following  gentle- 
men for  Committee,  all  of  whom  were  accepted  by  the  town. 

WardN°.  1.  WiUiam  Harris  [343]     7.  Samuel  A.  Wells 

2.  Redford  Webster  8.  Asa  Richardson 

3.  Enoch  Silsbee  9.  Leach  Harris 

4.  Nathaniel  Alley  10.  Joseph  P.  Bradlee 

5.  Joseph  Coolidge  11.  Thomas  Jackson 

6.  Michael  Roulstone  12.  Joshua  Davis 
and  the  said  Committee  to  report  at  the  adjournment. 

On  motion  made  and  seconded  :  it  was  Voted,  that  when  any 
vacancy  occurs  in  the  Committee  appointed  to  locate  and  build 
an  House  of  Industry,  by  death,  resignation,  or  otherwise,  that 
the  remaining  members  of  the  Committee  be  authorized  to  fill 
such  vacancy. 

On  the  Petition  of  Benjamin  French  and  others  for  the 
removal  of  Hackney  Coaches  from  the  streets  —  it  was  voted  to 
refer  it  to  a  Committee  of  three,  whereupon, 

Samuel  Adams 

Heman  Fay 

Samuel  L,  Knapp, 
were  chosen  for  that  purpose. — 

On  the  Petition  of  Lewis  Tappan  and  others  requesting  the 
Town  to  consider  the  expediency  of  assessing  the  Town  and 
County  Taxes,  or  either  of  them  at  some  season  of  the  year, 
other  than  the  first  day  of  May. — 

Whereupon  —  Voted,  That  the  Assessors  be  directed  to  take 
the  valuation  of  personal  property  for  the  Town  and  County 
taxes  on  the  first  [344]  Tuesday  of  February  annually. 

John  Cleasby  was  nominated  and  chosen  a  Hog  Reeve  and 
Field  Driver  [for]  the  year  ensuing. 

On  the  Petition  of  Joseph  Willett  and  others  for  two  additional 
Surveyors  of  Lumber.  Voted ;  that  it  is  inexpedient  to  appoint 
any  additional  Surveyors  of  Lumber. — 


204  City  Document  No.  128. 

* 

Voted :  That  this  meeting  be  now  adjourned  to  Wednesday 
next  at  9  o'clock  A.M. — 

Wednesday  June  6*^  A.D.  1821.— 
Met  according  to  adjournment.  — 

The  report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance,  was  read  authorizing 
the  Committee  to  allow  the  Town  Treasurer  and  Collector,  a  sum 
not  exceeding  Twenty  five  hundred  Dollars.  —  which  was 
accepted,  and —  Voted:  The  Committee  of  Finance  be  author- 
ized to  allow  the  Town  Treasurer  and  Collector,  such  Salary  as 
they  think  proper  not  exceeding  twenty  five  hundred  dollars,  for 
his  services  in  those  offices  the  ensuing  year. — 

The  Committee  of  Finance  having  full  power  to  diminish  this 
sum  as  much  as  they  shall  judge  expedient. 

The  report  of  the  Committee  relative  to  Hacks,  was  read  — 
and  unanimously  accepted. — 

[345.]  The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Petition 
of  Benjamin  French  and  others,  ask  leave  to  Report.  — 

That  they  have  attended  to  the  duty  assigned  them,  and  find 
on  examination  that  the  standing  of  some  Hackney  Coaches  in 
the  Streets,  is  an  inconvenience,  to  the  Public,  but  there  are 
some  persons  who  keep  them  so  situated,  that  it  would  be  a 
hardship  for  them  to  be  now  driven  from  the  Street.  The  power 
of  regulation  being  now  vested  in  the  Selectmen,  your  Commit- 
tee believe  it  is  in  the  most  judicious  hands  that  it  could  any 
where  be  lodged.  But  your  Committee  would  venture  to  recom- 
mend, that  after  three  months  from  this  date,  all  Hackney 
Coaches  should  be  ordered  from  the  Street,  excepting  in  such  parti- 
cular Cases  as  the  Selectmen  should  think  proper  to  exempt.  — 

Samuel  Adams 
Heman  Fay 
June  6th  1821.  —  Samuel  L.  Knapp. 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  on  the  subject  of  Buildings  of 
Wood,  as  expressed  in  the  petition  of  Josiah  Jones  and  others, 
was  read,  and  accepted  by  a  large  majority.  — 

The  Committee  to  whom  was  referred  the  Petition  of  Josiah 
Jones  and  others,  to  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of 
Petitioning  the  Legislature  to  alter  or  repeal  the  Law  prohibit- 
ing the  erection  of  Wooden  buildings  within  the  Town  [346] 
more  than  ten  feet  high,  have  attended  to  the  subject  with  all  the 
diligence  and  care  which  the  importance  of  the  subject  claims.  — 

The  Committee  are  fully  impressed,  with  the  great  advantage 
which  the  Town  has  experienced  by  the  effects  of  the  existing 
Law,  which  has  been  in  operation  since  the  year  1803.  by  which 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  205 

means  a  great  increase  of  Brick  and  Stone  Walls  have  been 
erected,  and  the  security  of  the  town  thereby  has  been  much 
increased  ;  and  therefore  it  is  the  opinion  of  the  Committee,  that 
the  existing  Law  may  now  be  modified  without  any  essential  in- 
jury ;  and  inasmuch  as  it  appears  to  be  the  general  wish  so  to  mod- 
ify the  Law,  as  to  meet  the  wants  and  means  of  a  large  portion  of 
respectable  citizens,  who  have  not  the  ability  to  erect  buildings 
entirely  of  Brick  or  Stone ;  and  as  they  are  satisfied  that  dwell- 
ing houses  not  exceeding  ten  feet  high,  are  injurious  to  the 
health  of  those  who  reside  in  them,  as  well  as  to  the  Inhabitants 
generally.  The  Committee  therefore  recommend  to  the  town, 
to  signify  its  desire  that  the  Legislature  should  be  requested  so 
far  to  modify  the  existing  Law,  as  that  in  future  wooden  Build- 
ings may  be  erected,  which  are  to  be  used  for  dwelling  houses 
exclusively,  which  shall  not  exceed  eighteen  feet  from  the  lowest 
part  of  the  sill,  to  the  upper  part  of  the  plate,  and  a  pitched  roof 
over  the  same  not  exceeding  six  feet  high,  from  the  plate  to  the 
highest  point  of  the  roof,  provided  that  such  roof  shall  be 
entirely  covered  with  slate  &  shall  not  have  any  Windows  on 
[347]  the  sloping  part  of  the  said  roof,  but  that  in  each  end 
a  Window  may  be  placed  —  And  further  that  where  there  are  two 
or  more  tenements  joined,  there  shall  be  a  brick  wall  between,  of 
at  least  twelve  inches  in  thickness,  and  extend  at  least  two  feet 
above  the  highest  point  of  the  Roof  and  to  be  covered  with  a 
stone  capping.  And  also  that  where  the  ends  or  sides  of  any 
such  building  to  be  erected,  shall  be  situated  within  fifteen  feet 
of  any  other  buildings  of  Wood,  such  end  or  side  shall  be  of  brick 
or  stone,  the  wall  of  which,  shall  be  of  at  least  twelve  inches  in 
thickness,  and  extend  at  least  two  feet  above  the  highest  point 
of  the  Roof,  and  be  capped  with  Stone. 
All  which  is  respectfully  submitted 

By  order  of  the  Committee 

Stephen  Codman,  Chairman 
June  6.  1821.— 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  requested  to  present  a  petition 
to  the  Legislature  in  behalf  of  the  Town  to  obtain  a  modification 
of  the  Law  agreeable  to  the  preceding  vote.  — 

Voted,  That  an  Assistant  Town  Clerk  be  selected  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  act,  as  such,  in  all  cases,  when  the  Town  Clerk, 
either  from  death,  sickness  or  other  cause  shall  be  unable  to  per- 
form the  duties  of  that  office. 

Voted,  That  M^  Charles  Hammatt,  be  selected  for  that 
purpose. 

[348.]  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  and  hereby  are  author- 
ized to  make  such  compensation  to  the  Assistant  Town  Clerk  as 
they  may  think  proper  and  expedient.  — 


206  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted,  To  reconsider  the  vote  passed  at  the  last  Meeting,  on 
the  petition  of  Joseph  Willett  and  others  respecting  two  addi- 
tional Surveyors  of  Lumber. 

Voted,  That  the  further  consideration  of  this  subject  be  post- 
poned 'till  next  March  Meeting.  — 

Moved,  That  the  Vote  accepting  the  Report  of  the  Committee 
of  Finance,  be  reconsidered  —  which  passed  in  the  affirmative. 

Moved,  That  the  further  consideration  of  the  subject  be  indefi- 
nitely postponed  —  which  was  negatived  — 

Voted,  That  the  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  be  recom- 
mitted to  the  same  Committee  for  revision,  and  that  they  Report 
at  the  adjournment.  — 

Voted,  That  when  this  Meeting  adjourns  it  adjourn  to  next 
Monday  week,  — then  to  meet  in  this  place  at  9  o'clock  A.M. 

The  meeting  was  then  adjourned  — 

[349.]  Monday  June  18th  1821  —  Met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment. — 

The  question  having  been  asked,  "why  the  Taxes  assessed 
exceeded  the  Taxes  voted  by  the  Town."  Moved,  that  a  Com- 
mittee be  raised  to  wait  on  the  Assessors  and  request  their  attend- 
ance at  the  Meeting.  The  Police  Officer,  was  directed  to  attend 
to  that  duty. 

Moved,  To  reconsider  the  vote  authorizing  the  Selectmen  to 
make  such  compensation  to  the  Assistant  Town  Clerk,  as  they 
may  think  proper  and  expedient  —  which  was  negatived  — 

The  Committee  of  Finance  made  a  report,  and  after  some 
debate,  it  was  voted  that  the  subject  subside  for  the  present. 

A  long  debate  on  the  subject  of  the  Town  and  County  Treas- 
urers, being  united,  then  ensued ;  and  the  Records  of  the  Con- 
vention, authorized  to  choose  County  Treasurer,  and  also  the 
Records  of  the  Convention  authorized  to  choose  the  Town  Treas- 
urer and  Collector  having  been  read,  it  was  Moved,  that  the 
whole  subject  subside. —  which  was  negatived  —  It  was  then 
Voted,  Unanimously  that  the  subject  be  referred  to  the  Com- 
mittee of  Finance,  with  directions  to  use  all  the  means  in  their 
power,  to  unite  the  two  Offices  in  one  person. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  207 

The  Assessors  having  attended  and  made  [350]  some  expla- 
nations.—  It  was  Voted,  u7imnmously ,  To  instruct  the  Assessors 
to  assess,  precisely  the  amount  of  Taxes,  levied  by  the  State, 
County  and  Town  and  to  make  no  addition  of  the  five  per  Cent, 
as  allowed  by  Law  the  present  year. — 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  was  again  taken  up, 
and  Voted,  that  the  subject  be  postponed  untill  the  adjournment, 
and  that  the  Report  be  printed  in  the  meantime  and  distributed 
to  the  Inhabitants. 

After  some  discussion  of  the  subject  of  lighting  the  Lamps  all 

the  year,  it  was  Voted,  that  the  subject  subside. — 

Voted,  That  when  this  meeting  does  adjourn,  it  shall  be  to  this 
day  fortnight,  then  to  meet  in  this  place,  at  10  o'clock  A.M. 

Voted,  That  this  Meeting  do  now  adjourn. 


Attest  Charles  Hammatt, 

Assistant  Town  Clerk. 


[351.]     Monday  July  2"*^  1821  —Met  according  to  adjourn- 
ment.— 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  which  was  made  at 
the  last  meeting  and  ordered  to  be  printed,  was  taken  up. —  viz. — 

Ninth  annual  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance. — 

N°.  1. 

The  amount  of  Taxes  assessed  in  1820.  were  as  follows — viz  — 

State  Tax -     -         24,117.02 

Town  &  County  Tax 141,111.28 

$165,228.30 


Amount  received  by  the  Treasurer  on  account  of 

said  Taxes 154,519.90 

Amount  of  abatement  of  Taxes  agreeable  to  Cer- 
tificates of  Assessors 6,413.10 

Balance  uncollected -  4,295.30 

165228.30 


208  City  Document  No.  128. 

Amount  received  by  the  Treasurer  on  account  of 
uncollected  Taxes  of  preceding  years  and  out- 
standing at  the  time  the  late  Treasurers  account 
was  settled 1815  109.80 

1817  27.50 

1818  106.96 

1819  1145.40 

1,389.66 

Amount  received  for  1820 154,519.90 

Whole   amount   received   by   the    Treasurer    from 

August  1820,  to  May  1821 -       155,909.56 

Boston  May  14,  1821  — Errors  Excepted — Tm-ner  Phillips, 

Town  Treasurer. — 
[353.]  ]S'°.  2. 

The  Town  of  Boston  in  Account  Current  with  Andrew  Sigourney 
Treasurer D'^. 

1820 

May     22  To  amount  due  on  Selectmen's 

&  Overseer's  drafts       -     -        226.24 
To  amount  of  Note  due  the 

Selectmen 1230.00 

1456.24 

June    2*^.  To  do  Selectmen's  d'fts  of  the 

V^  instant     -     -     -     -      9554.18 
8      To  do  Overseer's  ditto  of  the 

7*^  do 2388.40 

13     To  do  Board  of  Health  ditto 

of  the  12*1^  do    -     -     -      1000.— 
July     3      To  do  Selectmen's  ditto  of  the 

l^t  do 5010.30 

6      To  do  Overseer's  ditto  of  the 

5"^  do 2373.49 

20326.37 

Aug     5      To  do  ditto  ditto  of  the  5*^  do        972.25 
To  do  Selectmen's  ditto  of  the 

6*^ 4511.75 

To  do  Jabez  Hunting's  Note 

received  for  rent     -     -  40.00 

To  do  Thomas  Badger's  ditto  22. — 

To  Counterfeit  Bill   received 

for  Taxes     -     -     -     .  3. — 

5549.— 

27331.61 
To  balance  due  the  Town  to   new  Ac- 
count         33725.54 

61057.15 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821. 


209 


The  Town  of  Boston  in  account  with  Andrew  Slgourney,  Treas- 
urer   ---C''. 


1820 
May 

June 


22  By 


30 


Balance   due    the    Town 
as  per  accounts  of  this 
date      -     -     -     -     -     - 

Cash  rec'd  of  Jacob  Tidd 

Jr  for  his  Note  -     -        378.— 
do   of    do     12    months 

interest  on  $1512     -  90.72 

do    for  Rent  of  land  on 

the  Neck  -     -     -     .  12.— 

do    for  Rent  of  land  on 

Mill  Pond     -     -     -  20.— 

do   for   Rent  of  House 

in  Union  Street      -  12. — 

do    for    Rent    of    Stall 

under  Faneuil  Hall  39. — 

do   for   Rent   of  Shops 

&     Offices    in    Old 

State  House  -     -     -         217.50 


car'*,  for*^.      .     -     _     .     _ 
[353.]  By  Amount  brought  forward      ... 
July      15  By  Cash  of  the  State  Treas- 
urer for  maintenance  of 
State  Paupers  to  June 

1st 7313.32 

31  By  do  for  rent  of  land  on  the 

Neck 40. — 

By  do  for  rent  of  Hay  Scales        170.87 
By  do  for  rent  of   Shops    & 
Offices    in    old     State 

House 500.83 

By  do  for  rent  of  Stall  &  Cel- 
lars under  Faneuil  Hall        886.50 
Aug.       5  By  do  for  3   months  rent  of 
Cellars  N^  12  &  13  Old 
State  House      -     -     -        150. — 
By  do  for  3  months  of  Stalls 

&cln  the  Market    -     -       2189.18 
By  do  for  3  months  Stall  N°. 

17 37.— 

By  do  for  3   months   Offices 
N°.  3  &  6   Old   State 

House 100. — 

Aug.       5  By  do  12  do  Sedge  Lands      -  5. — 

By  do   Fines    for   breach   of 

Laws    -------  2. — 


45170.76 


769.22 

45939.98 
45939.98 


210  City  Document  No.  128. 

By  Amount  of  Selectmen's  & 

Overseers  drafts  unpaid     -        261.97 
By  Cash  received  for  Taxes 


1817 

-     -     -       25.80 

1816 

-     -     -       77.30 

1818 

-     -     -     108.62 

1819 

-     -     -  2018.78 

lount 

of   Note  due  to 

2230.50  13887.17 

By 

Selectmen  of  Boston  ------  1230. 


^61,057.15 

Aug.       5  By  Balance  due  the  Town  as  per  Contra,        33.725.54 
Boston  Sept.  2.  1820.     Errors  Excepted  — 

Elizabeth  Sigourney,  Administratrix 

By  her  Attorney,  Joel  Stone. 

[354.]  N^  3. 

The  Town  of   Boston  in  account  Current  with  Turner  Phillips, 

Treasurer  &  Collector D"^. 

1820 

Augt.     6  To  Cash  paid  balance  of  Selectmen's  and 

Overseer's  Drafts 261.97 

To  Joseph  Russells'  Note  given  as  Town 
Treasurer  to  the  Selectmen  of  Boston, 
dated  Dec'.  1.  1793 1230.— 

1821 

March  22  To  Cash  paid  M^\  Elizabeth  Sigourney 
for  my  Note  given  as  Treasurer,  dated 

September  4^^  1820 33725.54 

AprU  To  Amount  of  Commonwealth 

Tax  for  1820    -     -     -     -      21,749.33 
To   ditto    County   of    Suffolk 

Tax  for  1820    -     -     -     -      29,768.40 

51517.73 

May  To  balance  of  Profit  &  Loss  ace*,  as  p*". 

account --  924.05 

To  amount  of  the  Selectmen's 
Drafts  from  Sep'".  1.  1820, 
,  to  Api.  21,  1821  inclusive,  74,800.59 
To  amount  of  the  Overseer's 
d'fts  from  Sep^  6.  1820  to 
May  2*^.  1821  inclusive    -      18,784.77 
To  amount  of   the   Board  of 
Health's    drafts    from   Au- 
gust 21.  1820  to  Ap"".  2P*. 
1821,  inclusive      -     -     -       7,500.00 

101,085.36 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  211 

To   the   following    Bonds    & 
Notes  remaining   unpaid 
Ward  N.  Boylston's  Bond,  10,000.00 
Jacob  Tidd's   three  notes,     1,134. — 
John  Hancock's     -     -     -  930. — 

Rea  &  Wrights      -     -     -  300.— 

John  Stuarts     -     -     -     -  125. — 

Isaac  Rand  Jr.'s    -     -     -  46.20 

J  &  A  Hunting's  -     -     -  40.— 

William  Tukesbury's  -     -  390.92 

Jabez  Hunting's     -     -     -  40. — 

13,006.12 


May     14  To  Balance  due  the  Town  to  New  ac- 
count               84,874.53 


$286,625.30 


[355.]  The  Town  of  Boston  in  Account  Current  with  Turner 
Phillips,  Treasurer  &  Collector C. 

1820 

Sept.  2"^.  By  the  following  Bond  &  Notes  "rec*^. 
this  day  of  the  Administratrix  of  the 
Estate  of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq. 
deceased,  late  Treasurer  and  Collector 
—  viz. 
By  Ward  N.  Boylston's  Bond  10,000.00 
"    Jacob  Tidd  Jrs  3  Notes 

$378  each  -  -  -  -  1134. — 
"  John  Hancock's  -  -  -  930. — 
*'  Joseph  Rowe's  -  -  -  535.50 
"  Rea  &  Wrights  -  -  -  500.— 
"  John  Stuart's  -  -  -  -  125. — 
"    Isaac  Rand's  Jr     -     -     -  46.20 

"    Jabez  &  Asa  Hunting's  -  40. — 

"    William  Tukesbury's  -     -  17.55 

"    Jabez  Hunting's    -     -     -  40.00 

"    Thomas  Badger's  -     -     -  22.00 


Sept         4  By  Cash  rec"^.  of  Mrs.  Eliza- 
beth Sigourney  for  my 


13390.25 


„ ^  my 

Note    as   Treasurer - 
viz 

Boston  Money-  -  -  -  7313.32 
Current  Money  -  -  -  25868.22 
Bills  of  the  Hollowell  & 

Augusta,  Wiscassett  & 

Castine  Banks   -     -     -        544.00 


33725.54 


212  City  Document  No.  128. 

Sept     30  By  Cash  rec'^.  of  the  Police 

Officer   for  Fines  collected 

by   him    for    breaches    of 

Town  Laws 3.00 

Oct       18  By  Cash  rec'i  of  S    Gorham 

Esq  for 16.50 

1821. 

Feby      7  By  Cash  rec'^.  of  W"' Donnison 

Esq.  for  D°.   -     -     -     -     -  2.00 

"  Cash     rec'i.     for     Militia 

Exempts 252.00  273.50 


car*^.  over     -  $47389.29 

1821. 

[356.]  March  10  By  Amount  brought  forward       $47389.29 
March  10  By  Cash  rec'^.  of  the  State  Treasurer  for 
the  maintenance  of  State  Paupers  to 

Dec^  1.  1820 5064.56 

22  "  Cash  received  of  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Sigourney,  administratrix  on  the 
Estate  of  Andrew  Sigourney  Esq"^. 
deceased,  for  the  balance  due  from 
him  as  Treasurer  &  Collector  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,  as  per  adjustment 
of  his  account  by  the  Sub-Committee 
of  the  Committee  of  Finance     -     -     -  33725.54 

May  By  Cash  received  for  Licenses 

for  Hackney  Carriages  -     -  62. — 

By  Cash  received  for  Rent  of 
Stalls  &  Cellars  under  Fan- 
euil  Hall 3037.50 

By  ditto  of  the  Clerk  of  the 
Market  for  Rents  rec*^.  by 
him  for  Meat  &  Vegetable 
Stalls,  &c  from  the  1^*  of 
Novem.  1820,  to  1^*  May 
1821      -------      6767.01 

By  ditto  for  Rent  of  Shops, 
Offices  &  Cellars  in  Old 
State  House 2902.92 

By  ditto  for  Rent  for  Lands 

on  the  Neck 179.70 

"  ditto  for  one  years  rent  of 
Land  or  Flats  northwesterly 
from  the  end  of  the  Rope 
Walks  N°.  1  &  2  due  24t'> 
December  1820   -     -     -     -  47.20 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  213 

By  ditto  of  Jos.  N.  Howe  & 
Amos  Binney  for  2  year's 
rent  of  Land  or  Flats  at  the 
foot  of  Rope  Walks  N°.  5 
due  24**^  December  1820     -  13.20 

12947.53 


carr**.  forward     -  $99188.92 
[35*7.]  May  By  Amount  brought  for- 
ward       $99188.92 

By  Cash  rec*^.  for  Rent  of  Land 
on  Prince  &  Merrimack 
Streets 112.00 

By  ditto  for  ditto  of  Fish  Stall 

on  north  Street    -     -     -     -  12.00 

By  ditto  for  d°.  of  House  on 

Union  S' 36.00 

By  ditto  for  d°.  of  Deer  Island        400.— 

By  ditto  for  proceeds  of  Hay 

Scales 360.98 

920.98 

By   Balance    of    Interest    Account   per 

Account -     -  1495.53 

By  Amount  due  the  Commonwealth  on 

Tax  of  1820 21749.33 

By  baP^  due  the  County  of  Suffolk  on 

ditto 5532.10 

By  balance  due  on  Selectmen's  &  Over- 
seer's drafts 586.38 

By  Cash  rec*^.  for  Taxes  of  1815.  1817 

1818.  1819.  1820 155909.56 

"    Cash  rec*^.  for  an  old  Stove  and  Light- 
ing a  Lamp -  12.50 

By  Treasurer  Russells  Note  to  Selectmen 

of  Boston 1230.00 


Dollars     -      286,625.30 

Boston  May  14.  1821.     Errors  Excepted 
Turner  Phillips, 

Town  Treasurer  and  Collector. — 

Boston  May  15.  1821.  The  Subscribers  appointed  by  the 
Town  of  Boston,  on  the  12*^  day  of  March  last  to  audit  the 
accounts  of  the  Town  Treasurer  and  Collector,  have  attended  to 
the  duty  assigned  them,  and  find  the  accounts  right  cast  and  well 
vouched,  and  that  there  results  a  balance  in  favour  [358]  of  the 
Town  of  eighty  four  thousand  eight  hundred  seventy  four  Dollars 
fifty  three  cents,  of  which  sum  they  find  eighty  two  Thousand  six 
hundred  sixty  one  dollars,  eighty  four  cents,  now  deposited  in  the 


214 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Manufacturers   &  Mechanic's  Bank  to  the  Credit  of    "Turner 
Phillips,  Treasurer  and  Collector  of  the  Town  of  Boston." — 

Stephen  Codnaan  '\ 

Francis  J.  Oliver  >■  Auditors. — 

Robert  G.  Shaw    ) 

N°.  4. 

Profit  and  Loss     -----     J)^, 

1820 

Sept.  15  To  loss  on  the  undermentioned  Bills 
received  of  the  Administratrix  oh  the 
Estate  of  the  late  Treasurer  Andrew 
Sigourney,.  Esq.  deceased,  &  sold  this 
day,  conformably  to  the  advice  of 
the  Sub- Committee  of  the  Committee 
of  Finance  :  viz  : 
Castine  Bank  $154  at  30  p  C*. 

discount - 

Hall^     Augusta    $181  at    42 

p  C*.  discount      .     _     -     - 

Wiscassett    $209   at  45  p  C*. 

discount     ------ 


46.20 


76.02 


94.05 


Novem. 

Decern. 

1821 
January 

May 


To  premium  on  $15,351   Boston 

deposited  this  month 
To  premium  on   17,700  Boston 

deposited  this  month 
To  premium  on  77,000    Boston 

deposited  this  month 

To  premium  on  12,807  Boston 

deposited  this  month 
To    premium    on    352.    Boston 

deposited  this  month 


Money 

216.27 
135.51 

Money 

173.50 

Money 

738.96 

Money 

124.97 

Money 

3.52 

$1392.73 
There   is   now   deposited  in  the  Manufacturers  &  Mechanics 
Bank  $82,661 ;  the  premium  on  which  at  seven  eights  per  Cent 
will  Amount  to  $723.28.— 


1820 

irroiiL  una  j 

^oss     - 

-       Kj  . 

Sept. 

By  premium  on 

$8003  drawn  this  Month 

70.54 

Octo. 

By     -     ditto 

8277 

(( 

u 

do 

73.04 

Nov. 

By     -     ditto 

649 

(( 

(( 

do 

5.72 

1821. 

Jan'y 

By     -     ditto 

3000 

i( 

(( 

do 

26.25 

Feb'y 

By     -     ditto 

4882 

(( 

a 

do 

44.82 

Boston  Town  Records,  1821. 


215 


Mar.  By     -     ditto      17300  drawn  this     do 

April  By     -     ditto        6150       "       "       do 

May  By     -     ditto        4200       "        "       do 

"     14.  By  balance  to  the  debit  of  the  Town  of 
Boston,  in  account  current  -     -     -     - 


157.75 
53.81 
36.75 

924.05 


.392.73 


Boston,  May  14.  1821. 


Errors  Excepted 

Turner  Phillips,  Town  Treasurer 


N°.  5. 
Interest  Account     - 


D'^ 


1821 
Jan'y 

May 


4.  To  Cash  paid  the  Selectmen  of  Boston, 
for  one  year's  interest  on  Treasurer 
Russell's   Note  of  $1230.—     -     -     - 

14  To  balance  carried  to  the  credit  of  the 
Town  in  account  current    .     -     -     - 


1820 
Octo.    1. 


No  vena. 
Decern. 
1821. 
Jan'y 

1821 

[360.] 
February 
March 
April 
May      1. 


May      1. 


By  Cash  received  of  the   Manufacturers 

and  Mechanic's   Bank  for  interest  on 

the    amount  deposited   in   that  Bank 

during  the  Month  of  September     -     - 

By  ditto  for  the  Month  of  October    -     - 

By  ditto  "     "       do     "    November     - 

By  ditto  "     "       do     "    December      - 
Amt  carried  over 

By  Amount  bro'.  forward  -  -  -  -  - 
By  Interest  for  the  Month  of  January  - 
By  ditto  "  "do  "  February  - 
By  ditto  "  "  do  "March-  - 
By  ditto  "  "  do  "  April  -  - 
By  Cash  rec*^.  for  Interest  on  T.  Badger's 

Note 

By    Cash  rec**.  for  Interest   on   Rea  & 

"Wrights  Note 

By  Cash  rec*^.    for  Interest   on   Joseph 

Rowe's  Note - 

By  Cash  rec*^.  for  Interest  on  W™.  Tukes- 

bury's  Note      -' 


73.80 

1495.53 
$1569.33 


29.32 
14.38 
24.47 

181.77 

$249.94 

249.94 
253.19 
244.46 
248.40 
215.11 

1.15 

109.71 

127.81 

119.56 
$1569.33 


Boston  May  14.  1821.     Errors  Excepted 

Turner  Phillips,  Town  Treasurer 


216 


City  Document  No.  128. 


N°.  6. 

D"^.  Boylston  Town  Schools  in  Account  Current  with  the  Town  of 
Boston.  C^ 

1821  ■      1820 

May  To  Amount  to  new  Ac-  May  22  By  Balance  as  pf.  Ac- 
count       8202.38  count  of  this  date,  7738.10 

By  interest  on  do  1 

year 464.28 


8202.38 


8202.38 


Boston  May  14.  1821     Errors  Excepted 

Turner  Phillips,  Town  Treasurer. 


N°.  7. 

Statement  of  the  Debts   &   Credits   of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
May  14.  1821. 

Town  of  Boston    -     -     D"^. 


1821. 
May 


To  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts      -  21749.33 

"  County  of  Suffolk     --.---  5532.10 

"  Selectmen  of  Boston      -     ...     -  1230.— 

"  Selectmens  Drafts     ------  258.39 

"  Overseers  ditto 327.99 

carr*^.  forward    -  ^29097.81 


[361.] 


To  Amount  brought  forward  -  -  - 
"  Boylston  Town  Schools  -  -  . 
"  Unliquidated  Accounts,  estimated 


Balance  in  favor  of  the  Town 


S29097  81 
8202  38 
3000  — 

40300.19 
64080.46 

$104,380.65 


1821 
May 


Town  of  Boston  C 

By  Ward  N.  Boylston's  Bond 

"  .Jacob  Tidd's  three  Notes  -  - 

*'  John  Hancock's         do  -  - 

"  John  Stuart's              do  -  - 

"  Rea  &  Wrights           do  -  • 

"  Isaac  Rand  Jr's         do  -  ■ 


10.000. 

1134. 

930. 

125. 

300. 

46.20 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  217 

By  J  &  A  Hunting's       do       -     -     -     -  40. — 

"  Jabez  Huntings          do       .     -     -     -  40. — 

"  W"\  Tukesbury's       do       -     -     -     -  390.92 
"  Commonwealth  of  M  a  ssachusetts 

estimated 5000. 

"  Uncollected     Taxes      estimated      to 

produce 1500. 

"  Cash  in  the  Treasury      -     -     -     -     -  84874.53 

$104380.65 

Boston  May  14.  1821  — Errors  Excepted 

Turner  Phillips,  Town  Treasurer 

N°.  8. 

Statement  of  Salaries,  annually  paid  to  Town  Officers 

Chairman  of  the  Selectmen $1200 

Three  Assessors  $1000  each 3000 

Assistant  to  ditto 100 

Treasurer's 2500 


car*^.  forward     - 

[363.]  Amount  brought  forward 

Town  Clerk's -  1000  — 

Judge  of  Municipal  court 750  — 

Police  Officer 900  — 

Clerk  of  the  Market 800  — 

Secretary  to  the  Firewards 200  — 

Messenger  to  ditto 30  — 

Messenger  to  Selectmen 365  — 

10845  — 

School  Master  &  Usher 25430.55 

Primary  Schools - 8500. — 

Annual  Amount  of  Salaries $44775.55 

ith  Qf  -vvhich  became  due  on  the  first  day  of  May     -  7462.59 

Amount  due  the  Treasurer  for  last  year   -     -     -     -  2083. — 

Assistant  Town  Clerk 400.— 


$9945.59 


N°.  9 


Statement  exhibiting  the  amount  of  Debts  due  from  the  Town 
of  Boston ;  the  amount  which  will  accrue  for  the  expenditures  the 
year  ensuing ;  the  amount  to  be  received  from  the  various  sources 
of  Revenue  enumerated,  and  the  amount  to  be  assessed  upon  the 
Inhabitants  to  pay  the  balance. 


218 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Amount  due  from  the  Town  for  State  Tax  of  1820 

unpaid 21749.33 

D°.  D°.  County  Tax  D°. 5532  10 

D°.  on  Selectmen's  drafts  D°. 258  39 

D".  on  Overseers  Drafts  D°. 327  99 

Probable  Balance  due  on  account  of  School  House 

now  building  in  Derne  S*.       -------  5000  — 

$32867  81 

[363.]     Amount  brought  up 32867.81 

Contemplated  alterations  of  North  Schools  -     -     -  3202.38 

Estimated  amount  of  unliquidated  Accounts       -     -  3000. — 
Amount   of   Treasurer   Russells  Note,   due  to  the 
fund  of  Joanna  Brooker  &  to  be  paid  the  ensuing 

year 1230.— 


Amount   due   on   account   of    Salaries    to   School 
Masters  and  other  Town  officers  on  the  first  of 

May  1821  by  Statements  N".  8 

Amount  required   by  the  Selectmen    for   the   year 

ensuing o_._      84,700 

D<>.  by  the  School  Committee  -  -  -  36,000 
D°.  for  Primary  Schools  -  ...  -  8,500 
D°.  by  the  board  of  Health  -  -  -  -  7,000 
D°.  by  Overseers  of  the  Poor     -     -     -      25,000 


40300.19 


9945.59 


161200.- 


D°   to  be  paid  by  the  Town  for  State 

Tax 22237.33 

D°.  County  Tax 35000.— 

57237.83 

268,683.11 
Amount  allowed  for  abatement  of  Taxes  -  -  -  10  000, — 
Whole  amount  to  be  paid  by  the  Town  the  year 

ensuing  &  ending  May  1.  1822 $278.683.11 

Balance  due  from  the  Treasurer $84,874  53 

Amount  of  Rents  receivable  on  the  1^*^.   of  May 

1822 17,917.93 

Allowance  for  casualties 917.93 

Estimated  Amount  of  Rents  that  will  be  received 

on  the  1«*  May  1822 17.000  — 

Probable   amount  to  be  rec*^  from  the  State   for 

maintenance  of  State  Paupers 4.000  00 

Uncollected  Taxes  estimated  to  produce  .     -     -     -  1.500  — 

car'i.  forward     -    $107,374  53 


Boston  Town  Recokds,  1821.  219 

[364.]     Amount  brought  forward      -     -     -     -    $107,374  53 
Amount  to  be  assessed   on   the  Town  to   pay  the 

Commonwealth  Tax 22237.33 

Amount  to  be  assessed  on  the  Town  to 

pay  the  County  Tax 35,000.— 

Amount  to  be  assessed  on  the  Town  to 

pay  the  balance  -     ------   114.071.25 

171.308  58 


Dollars  278.683.11 


The  Committee  therefore  recommend  that  a  Tax  of  One  hun- 
dred and  fifteen  thousand  Dollars  be  levied  for  the  payment  of 
the  current  expenses  of  the  year  ending  May  l^^  1822.  which  sum 
includes  the  sum  of  Ten  thousand  Dollars  as  a  provision  to  meet 
the  probable  amount  of  abatements  of  Taxes. 
By  order  of  the  Committee  of  Finance, 

Eliplialet  Williams, 

Chairman. 
Boston,  June  15.  1821  — 

A  motion  to  amend  the  Report  of  the  Committee  of  Finance,  by 
reducing  the  sum  proposed  to  be  raised  to  One  hundred  thousand 
Dollars,  was  negatived. — 

■   The  Report  was  then  accepted  —  and 

Voted,  that  the  sum  of  One  hundred  and  fifteen  thousand  Dollars^ 
be  raised  by  a  tax,  to  be  assessed  upon  the  Polls  &  Estates  of 
the  [nhabitants  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  Town,  the  present 
year. — 

It  was  also  Voted,  that  a  further  sum  of  Three  thousand 
Dollars,  be  raised  by  a  Tax  as  [365]  aforesaid,  for  the  purpose 
of  defraying  the  expense  of  Ughting  the  Lamps  through  the  Sum- 
mer season. 

Voted,  That  on  the  request  of  the  Committee  of  Primary 
Schools,  it  is  expedient  that  the  sum  of  One  thousand  Dollars  be 
appropriated  for  the  establishment  of  a  School  on  the  System  of 
mutual  instruction,  to  be  under  the  same  regulations  and  control, 
as  the  other  Public  Schools  of  the  Town. 

On  motion.  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  requested  to  insert 
an  article  in  the  Warrant  for  the  next  Town  meeting,  "  To  see 
if  the  Town  will  appoint  a  Committee,  which,  in  conjunction  with 
the  Selectmen,  shall  take  into  consideration  the  subject  of  devis- 
ing measures  for  the  celebration  of  the  festival  of  Independence, 
in  a  manner  worthy  of  that  great  event ;  and  as  shall  conduce  to 
the  advantage  and  honor  of  the  Town  and  the  general  satisfaction 
of  the  Citizens." — 


220  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed,  who  may  be  authorised 
in  behalf  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  request  of  the  Honourable 
Court  of  Sessions,  to  furnish  the  town  with  a  statement,  giving 
the  details  of  the  expenditures  in  their  department  on  account  of 
the  County ;  and  give  such  further  information  to  the  Committee, 
relative  to  the  receipts  and  expenditures  of  money  on  account  of 
the  County,  as  may  be  necessary,  or  as  [366]  they  may  require 
to  enable  the  Town  to  form  a  correct  opinion  in  relation  to  their 
monied  concerns  ;  —  and  that  said  Committee  report  at  a  future 
meeting  — 

Mess^^  William  Tudor 

Lewis  Tappan  and 

Henry  J.  Oliver, 
were  chosen  on  the  Committee  — 

Voted,  Unanimously,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  pre- 
sented to  Benjamin  Weld  Esq.  for  his  able  and  faithful  services, 
during  the  time  he  has  executed  the  office  of  Treasurer  for  the 
County  of  Suffolk.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  requested  to  adopt  such  measures 
as  they  may  deem  expedient,  to  show  proper  respect  to  the  U.  S. 
Cadets  from  West  Point,  when  they  shall  arrive  in  Town. 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  be  appointed  to  take  into  considera- 
tion the  subject  of  assessing  the  Town  and  County  Taxes  in  a 
more  equitable  and  legal  manner,  with  particular  reference  to  the 
law  of  13*^\  of  February  last,  to  apportion,  and  assess  a  tax  for 
the  year  1821  ;  and  that  said  Committee  be  directed  to  report  at 
a  future  meeting. 

Mess''^.  Lewis  Tappan  Jonathan  Simonds 

George  Hallet  Samuel  Billings 

William  Thurston  &      Abraham  Wild  Esq", 
were  chosen  on  the  Committee.  — 

[367.]  The  following  Preamble  and  Resolutions,  were  read 
and  passed  by  the  Town  —  viz  — 

Whereas,  on  the  22'^  day  of  May  1820,  a  Petition,  signed  by  a 
number  of  Inhabitants  of  the  Town,  was  presented  to  the  Select- 
men, requesting  them  to  insert  in  the  Warrant  for  calling  the  next 
Town  meeting,  the  following  subject,  "  To  consider  the  expedi- 
ency of  uniting  the  Offices  of  County  and  Town  Treasurer;"  — 
and  — 

Whereas,  the  Selectmen  in  conformity  to  the  said  petition  gave 
public  notice  to  the  Inhabitants  that  this,  with  other  subjects, 
would  be  submitted  to  their  consideration  on  the  29*^  day  of  May, 
at  a  public  Meeting  to  be  holden  at  Faneuil  Hall  —  and 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  221 

Whereas,  at  the  said  Meeting  this  subject  was  duly  considered 
and  acted  upon,  and  by  the  People  referred  to  the  Committee  of 
Finance,  with  directions  to  consider  the  subject  and  report  their 
opinions  thereon  at  a  future  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  —  and  — 

Whereas,  at  a  legal  meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  holden  at  Fan- 
euil  Hall  on  the  22"*^  day  of  June  1820.  the  said  Committee  of 
Finance  reported  that  they  had  maturely  considered  the  subject, 
and  in  their  opinion  the  duties  of  both  Offices  could  be  performed 
by  one  person,  and  that  it  was  proper  and  expedient  that  the  two 
Offices  of  Comity  and  Town  Treasurer  should  be  united,  and 
recommended  [368]  that  a  Committee  be  chosen  to  petition  the 
Legislature,  in  behalf  of  the  Town,  so  to  alter  or  amend  the  law 
prescribing  the  mode  of  electing  County  Treasurer  for  the  County 
of  Suffolk,  as  would  enable  them  to  effect  that  object.  —  and 

Whereas,  the  Town  at  the  said  meeting  accepted  the  report  of 
the  Committee  of  Finance,  and  in  conformity  to  the  recommen- 
dation contained  therein,  made  choice  of  the  Selectmen  as  a  Com- 
mittee to  petition  the  Legislature  for  the  necessary  alteration  of 
the  Laws  —  and 

Whereas  the  Legislature  in  conformity  to  the  petition  of  the 
Selectmen  in  pursuance  of  the  said  vote,  proceeded  and  made 
such  alterations  as  were  required,  and  by  which  the  legal  impedi- 
ments to  the  effecting  of  the  union  of  the  two  offices  were  not 
only  entirely  removed,  but  a  new  law  was  enacted,  and  so 
constructed  as  to  invest  in  the  Convention,  consisting  of  the 
Committee  of  Finance  and  the  Selectmen  of  Chelsea,  the  power 
of  uniting  the  offices  in  one  person.  —  and 

Whereas,  after  the  several  decisions  of  the  Town,  the  Com- 
mittee of  Finance  and  the  Legislature,  in  favor  of  the  measure, 
the  Committee  of  Finance,  at  a  meeting  on  the  15''^  day  of  May 
last  past,  proceeded  again  to  discuss  the  "  propriety  and  expedi- 
ency of  the  measure,"  and  appointed  a  Committee  for  this  pur- 
pose —  and 

[369.]  Whereas,  at  a  subsequent  Meeting  of  the  said  Com- 
mittee, the  yeas  and  nays  were  taken  on  the  question,  whether  it 
was  "  proper  and  expedient  to  unite  the  offices  of  County  and 
Town  Treasurer  and  Collector,"  which  was  determined  in  the 
affirmative,  there  being  Sixteen  yeas  and  Eleven  nays,  and  — 

Whereas,  at  a  Meeting  of  the  said  Committee,  on  the  first  day 
of  June  last  past  a  motion  was  made  to  reconsider  the  vote  by 
which  it  was  decided  to  be  "  proper  and  expedient"  to  unite  the 
two  offices,  which  motion  was  determined  by  yeas  and  nays,  and 
passed  in  the  negative,  Sixteen  Nays  and  twelve  Yeas  —  and 


222  City  Document  No.  128. 

Whereas  the  said  Committee,  at  a  meeting  of  the  first  day  of 
June  last  past,  considered  and  fixed  the  sum  that  ought  to  be 
allowed  and  paid  as  a  Salary  to  the  Town  Treasurer  &  Collector, 
having  in  view  the  intention  of  electing  him  to  the  office  of 
County  Treasurer ;  and  on  motion  made  and  lost  for  the  Sums  of 
Twenty  five  hundred  Dollars  and  Twenty  two  hundred  Dollars, 
the  sum  of  Two  thousand  Dollars  was  voted  —  and  — 

Whereas,  in  execution  of  the  foregoing  votes  and  proceedings, 
the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Finance  was  directed  publicly 
to  advertise  for  applications  from  such  persons  as  were  desirous 
to  perform  the  duties  of  those  offices,  and  on  inquiry  of  the 
applicants  to  inform  them  that  the  Salary  was  fixt  [3  70]  at  Thirty 
five  hundred  Dollars  for  the  performance  of  the  duties  of  both 
offices  :  And  whereas  a  meeting  of  the  County  Convention  was 
holden  on  the  11*^  day  of  June  last  past,  for  the  election  of  a 
Count}'  Treasurer,  which  being  eiTected,  the  Town  Convention 
consisting  of  the  Committee  of  Finance,  proceeded  to  elect  a 
Town  Treasurer  &  Collector ;  and  in  violation  of  their  own  votes 
and  decisions,  the  votes  and  decisions  of  the  Town,  in  direct 
opposition  to  the  opinions  and  wishes  of  the  peoj^le,  and  in  utter 
disregard  to  the  interest  of  the  Town  and  County,  they  elected  a 
different  person  to  this  office,  thereby  separating  the  two  offices, 
by  choosing  two  persons  to  fill  them,  one  on  a  Salary  of  Twenty 
five  hundred  Dollars,  and  the  other  at  a  Salary  of  Fifteen  hun- 
dred Dollars  : — thus  preserving  at  an  increased  expense,  a  state 
of  things  which  it  had  been  solemnly  and  repeatedly  determined 
to  be  "  proper  and  expedient "  to  destroy  —  and  — 

Whereas,  by  these  extraordinary  and  anomalous  proceedings, 
the  said  Committee  have  by  their  conduct  evinced  a  marked  dis- 
respect to  the  People,  an  utter  disregard  to  their  interest,  a  total 
want  of  respect  to  themselves  in  their  official  capacity,  and  have 
thereby  degraded  the  dignity  of  the  stations  in  which  they  have 
been  placed  by  the  public  voice  —  Therefore 

Resolved  as  the  sense  of  the  Town,  that  they  highly  disapprove 
of  the  proceedings  of  the  Committee  of  Finance,  and  that,  in  the 
opinion  of  the  [371]  Town,  a  Board,  or  such  parts  of  it  as 
have  been  instrumental  in  thus  defeating  the  intentions  of  the 
People,  are  unworthy  of  public  trust  and  confidence. — 

Resolved,  That  it  is  proper  that  measures  be  taken  to  guard 
against  the  reccurrence  of  effects  of  a  similar  nature,  and  that  the 
people  be  not  defeated  in  their  intentions,  by  agents  in  whom 
they  have  confided  the  trust  of  carrying  their  purposes  into 
execution,  that  a  Committee  be  chosen  to  frame  such  regulations 
and  to  recommend  such  measures,  as  they  may  deem  most 
proper  to  produce  the  intended  effect  and  that  they  be  desired  to 
report  at  a  future  meeting, — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  223 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  appointed  a  Committee  agree- 
ably to  the  last  Resolution  —  viz 

Stephen  Codman  Esq.  M''.  Jonathan  Simonds 

Thomas  Badger  Isaac  Winslow  Esq. 

William  Thurston  M'.  Lewis  Tappan  and 

]Vr.  Daniel  Carney  Henry  J.  Oliver  Esq. 
Benjamin  Weld  Esq. 

The  Meetino-  was  then  Dissolved. — 


[373.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  hoiden  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on 
Wednesday,  the  4*^  day  of  July  1821.  at  nine  o'clock  A.M. — 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read  — 

Benjamin  Russell  Esq'',  was  chosen  Moderator. 

The  Committee  appointed  the  last  year  to  make  choice  of  a 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration,  on  the  Anniversary  of  Inde- 
pendence, Reported,  That  they  had  chosen  Charles  G.  Loring 
Esq'',  who  had  accepted  the  appointment. 

Adjourned  to  meet  at  the  Old  South  Church,  at  12  o'clock  M. — 

Met  at  the  Old  South  Church,  according  to  adjournment, 
where  an  Oration  was  delivered  by  Charles  G.  Loring  Esq.  to 
commemorate  the  Independence  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be,  and  hereby  are  appointed  a 
Committee  to  wait  on  Charles  G.  Loring  Esq.  in  the  name  of 
the  Town,  and  thank  him  for  the  elegant  and  spirited  Oration 
this  day  delivered  by  him  at  the  request  of  the  Town,  upon  the 
Anniversary  of  American  Independence,  in  which  were  considered 
the  feeUngs,  manners  and  principles  which  produced  the  great 
national  event,  and  to  request  of  him  a  Copy  for  the  press. — 

[373.]  Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  Selectmen  be,  and  hereby 
are  appointed  a  Committee,  to  apply  to  some  able  and  learned 
Gentleman  to  deliver  an  Oration  on  the  4*^^  day  of  July  1822. 
That  day  being  the  Anniversary  of  the  Independence  of  the 
United  States  of  America,  wherein  the  Orator,  is  to  consider  the 
feelings,  manners  and  principles  which  led  to  this  great  National 
event,  and  the  important  and  happy  effects  which  have  already,  or 
will  forever  flow  from  that  auspicious  Epoch. 

The  Meeting  was  then  Dissolved 

Attest  Thomas  Clark,  Town  Clerk 


224  City  Document  No.  128. 

[374.]  At  a  meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  holden  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Tuesday 
the  25*"^  day  of  September  A.D.  1821.  at  10  o'clock  A.M. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read  — 

Francis  J.  Oliver  Esq.  was  chosen  Moderator. — 

The  Petition  of  Edmund  Winchester  and  others,  "that  the 
Town  would  take  into  consideration  the  expediency  of  rescinding 
a  Vote  passed  on  the  sixth  day  of  June  last,  by  which  Hackney 
Coaches  were  to  be  prohibited  from  standing  on  the  Streets." 
was  read  :  —  Whereupon  a  motion  was  made  and  seconded,  that 
the  Town  rescind  their  vote,  which  prohibits  Hackney  Coaches 
standing  in  the  streets  ;  — the  question  being  put,  it  passed  in  the 
negative,  — 

The  Committee  appointed  on  the  second  day  of  July  last,  to 
take  into  consideration  certain  proceedings  of  the  Committee  of 
Finance  of  the  Town,  relative  to  the  election  of  County  and  Town 
Treasurer,  and  "to  frame  such  regulations  and  recommend  such 
measures  as  they  may  deem  most  proper  to  carry  into  effect  cer- 
tain previous  votes  of  the  Town,  declaring  it  expedient  that  these 
two  offices  should  be  united  "  ;  —  having  attended  to  the  business 
assigned  them,  ask  leave  to  report  in  part. — 

That  in  order  to  form  a  correct  opinion  of  [375]  the  conduct 
of  the  Committee  of  Finance,  in  the  election  of  County  and  Town 
Treasurers,  they  have  examined  the  Acts  of  the  Legislature,  from 
whence  they  derived  their  authority,  and  also  the  proceedings  of 
the  two  Conventions  of  County  and  Town,  which  by  these  acts 
are  constituted  for  the  express  purpose  of  electing  these  officers. 
—  By  the  Law  passed  the  IS^^  day  of  February  1821.  the  Com- 
mittee of  Finance,  together  with  the  Selectmen  of  the  town  of 
Chelsea,  were  authorised  to  meet  in  Convention  on  the  second 
Monday  in  June  annually,  and  elect  by  ballot,  a  County  Treas- 
urer ;  to  decide  upon  the  compensation  he  should  receive  for  his 
services,  and  the  Bonds  he  should  give  for  the  faithful  discharge 
of  the  duties  of  his  office.  — By  the  Law  passed  the  16"*  of  June 
1813.  the  Committee  of  Finance  were  empowered  to  meet  in 
Convention  in  the  months  of  June  or  July  annually  and  elect  a 
Town  Treasurer,  and  direct  as  to  the  bonds  to  be  given  by  him. 
Under  the  authority  derived  from  the  Legislature,  the  County 
Convention  met  on  the  day  appointed  by  law  to  elect  a  County 
Treasurer.  — It  must  be  apparent  that  they  acted  as  a  body  con- 
stituted by  the  Legislature  solely  for  that  purpose  and  inde- 
pendent of  any  Municipal  instructions  which  a  part  of  that 
Convention,  in  another  character  might  have  received  from  the 
Town  of  Boston ;  and  which  if  it  had  the  right  to  give,  the  Town 
of  Chelsea  had  the  same,  for  the  Inhabitants  of  each  town  are 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  225 

equally  eligible  to  this  Office,  and  the  [376]  motive  would  be 
equally  justifiable  in  one  Town  as  the  other  to  unite  the  two 
offices ;  the  effect  of  such  partial  and  conflicting  instructions,  in 
case  the  County  should  be  composed  of  many  towns,  might  be  to 
enlist  local  feelings  and  interest  in  the  election.  —  But  aside  from 
this  consideration,  and  allowing  a  part  of  that  Convention,  acting 
as  a  Committee  of  Finance  from  the  town  of  Boston  to  be 
instructed  to  unite  the  two  offices  of  County  and  Town  Treasurer, 
this  could  not  be  effected  'till  a  County  Treasurer  had  been  first 
chosen,  the  town  Convention  having  no  other  authority  than  that 
of  electing  a  Town  Treasurer,  and  of  course  none  to  unite  these 
offices  in  one  person,  an  effect  which  could  be  brought  about  by 
them  only  by  waiting  until  the  County  Convention  had  made 
choice  of  their  Treasurer,  and  then,  as  a  Town  Convention  elect- 
ing the  same  person  to  the  office  of  Town  Treasurer,  and  thus 
accomplishing  the  purposes  of  the  town  as  expressed  in  their 
votes. — It  will  be  equally  apparent,  that  under  such  circum- 
stances, the  two  bodies  being  independent  of  each  other,  the  design 
of  uniting  the  two  offices  could  be  effected  only  by  the  Conven- 
tion acting  with  a  mutual  knowledge  of  each  others  designs,  and 
a  certainty  that  the  person  who  should  be  elected  to  fill  one  office 
would  agree  to  accept  and  discharge  the  duties  of  both.  —  Had  the 
County  Convention  elected  a  person  for  County  Treasurer,  who 
would  have  been,  in  the  opinion  of  the  Committee  of  Finance 
[377]  an  improper  person  to  elect  to  fill  the  more  responsible 
office  of  Town  Treasurer  and  of  course  to  fill  both  offices,  it 
would  have  been  clearly  impracticable  in  the  latter  body  to  have 
effected  this  Union,  without  joining  them  in  an  individual  incom- 
petent to  so  arduous  and  responsible  a  station  and  thus  obeying 
the  letter  while  they  disregarded  the  spirit  of  their  instructions 
from  the  Town ;  it  not  being  pretended  that  the  town  was 
resolved  to  unite  the  two  offices  in  any  [person  even]  the  most 
incompetent  candidate  that  should  offer,  but  that  if  a  suitable 
person  should  be  found,  capable  of  filhng  both  offices,  and  willing 
to  accept,  they  should  be  united.  —  That  the  Committee  of  Finance 
carried  into  effect  the  wishes  of  the  Town,  as  far  as  in  their  opinion, 
prudence  would  warrant,  will,  it  is  believed,  appear  from  a  plain 
statement  of  Facts. 

From  the  records  of  the  County  Convention,  we  find,  that  at 
the  Meeting  held,  as  was  before  observed,  on  the  second  Monday 
in  June,  they  proceeded  to  elect  a  County  Treasurer ;  that  the 
Gentleman  who  has  filled  the  office  of  Town  Treasurer  with  so 
much  general  satisfaction,  was  chosen  —  and  a  Sub-Committee 
was  appointed  to  notify  him  of  his  election,  and  at  the  same 
time  to  inform  him,  that  it  was  the  intention  of  the  Committee  of 
Finance  to  unite  the  two  offices,  but  he  declined  accepting  the 
appointment  in  consequence  of  the  proposed  union.  — This  Con- 
vention, after  directing  the  Chairman  to  advertise  in  [378] 
the  public  Papers  for  any  person  disposed  to  accept  the  two 
offices  to  make  application  for  the  same,  adjourned  to  a  day  suffi- 


226  City  Document  No.  128.  ^ 

ciently  distant  to  give  time  for  this  notice  and  application  to  be 
made  —  Tlie  notice  was  given,  and  eight  persons  applied.  — The 
Convention  at  their  adjourned  meeting  proceeded  to  elect  a 
County  Treasurer  from  among  the  applicants ;  but  so  great  was 
the  difference  of  opinion,  that  five  ballo tings  were  given,  before 
any  one  received  a  majority  of  votes,  and  then  only  fifteen  out 
of  twenty  eight.  —  The  Gentleman  chosen  accepted,  gave  satis- 
factory bonds  and  was  qualified  for  the  office.  —  After  these  pro- 
ceedings of  the  County  Convention,  the  Committee  of  P'inance 
held  their  meeting  for  the  choice  of  Town  Treasurer,  and  to  use 
their  own  language,  "were  placed  under  very  peculiar  circum- 
stances at  the  time,  because,  while  a  majority  were  desirous  to 
unite  the  two  offices,  they  had  no  alternative  but  to  elect  a  person 
wholly  unacquainted  with  town  accounts,  or  to  separate  the  two 
offices. — They  preferred  the  latter  course,  in  which  they  were 
more  united  than  in  any  previous  vote,  for  on  the  first  ballot,  the 
present  Town  Treasurer  received  twenty  votes  out  of  twenty 
eight  votes  for  that  office  and  the  County  Treasurer  but  three 
votes.  That  the  Committee,  in  this  final  proceeding,  "  acted 
conscientiously  and  with  a  sincere  desire  to  promote  the  best  in- 
terest of  the  town,"  will  not,  it  is  believed,  be  doubted,  although 
the  wishes  [3  79]  of  the  town  for  a  union  were  not  literally  com- 
plied with. —  Could  or  would  the  Town  have  acted  differently,  if 
placed  in  circumstances  similar  to  those  of  their  Committee? 

From  an  impartial  examination  and  mature  consideration  of 
all  the  proceedings  above  detailed,  and  the  laws  authorizing  them, 
this  Committee  cannot  but  regret  the  late  vote  of  censure  upon 
the  Committee  of  Finance,  who  have  served  the  town  gratui- 
tously for  a  number  of  years  with  credit  to  themselves,  and  benefit 
to  the  town ;  a  vote  which  they  think,  would  not  have  been 
passed,  if  the  Town  had  been  more  fully  acquainted  with  the 
whole  proceedings  in  the  election  of  County  and  Town  Treasurer, 
and  the  provisions  of  the  statute  laws  relative  thereto.  Your 
Committee  therefore  respectfully  recommend,  that  the  preamble 
and  resolve  of  the  town,  passed  at  the  Meeting  on  the  second  day 
of  July  last,  so  far  as  they  censure  the  Committee  of  Finance  be 
reconsidered,  and  expunged  from  the  records  of  the  town,  and 
not  left  to  be  handed  down  to  posterity  as  a  lasting  censure  upon 
so  desei'ving  and  respectable  a  body  of  our  fellow  Citizens. — 
And  your  Committee,  ask  leave  to  sit  again,  for  the  purpose  of 
reporting,  on  the  latter  part  of  their  Commission,  viz  "  the 
measures  most  proper  to  be  taken  to  guard  against  the  recur- 
rence of  effects  of  a  similar  nature." 

By  order  of  the  Committee 

Stephen  Codman,  chairman 

[380.]  The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  accepted,  and  it 
was  voted,  that  Committee  have  leave  to  sit  again,  and  that  the 
report  they  may  make  be  printed  and  distributed  among  the 
Inhabitants  to  be  acted  upon  at  the  adjournment  of  this 
Meeting. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  227 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  of  Boston  July  2"*^. 
1821.  "  To  take  into  consideration  the  subject  of  assessing  the 
Town  &  County  Taxes  in  a  more  equitable  and  legal  manner ; 
with  particular  reference  to  the  law  of  February  13"^'^  last,  to 
apportion  and  assess  a  tax  for  the  year  1821."  have  attended  to 
that  duty  and  present  to  the  Town  the  following 

Report. 

There  is  no  subject,  in  the  municipal  concerns  of  the  town, 
which  excites  more  interest  than  that  of  Taxation. 

[t  is  a  ground  of  general  complaint  and  uneasiness ;  and  those 
upon  whom  it  seems  to  touch  most  lightly  are  often  the  loudest 
in  remonstrance,  and  most  eager  in  evasion. 

The  Committee  have  turned  their  attention,  First,  to  ascertain 
if  there  were  any  legal  defects  in  the  system  of  taxation,  ISecond, 
if  the  assessing  of  taxes  was  attended  with  any  abuses  and  the 
grounds  of  complaint  among  the  citizens;  third  to  [381]  see 
if  any  remedies  could  be  provided  to  make  the  levying  more  equal 
and  just,  and  to  remove  all  cause  of  dissatisfaction  on  the  part  of 
any  portion  of  the  Citizens. — 

1.  The  Committee  have  examined  the  laws  and  find  that  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Commonwealth  is  directed  annually  to  send  his 
Warrant  to  the  Selectmen  or  assessors  of  each  town,  requiring 
them  to  assess  the  sum  with  which  each  town  stands  charged  in 
the  schedule  made  every  tenth  year  by  the  Valuation  Committee 
of  the  State ;  to  tax  each  male  poll,  above  the  age  of  sixteen 
years  at  fourteen  cents,  and  the  remainder  of  such  sum  charged 
as  aforesaid,  to  assess  upon  the  respective  inhabitants  thereof, 
according  to  the  value  of  the  real  estate  therein,  possessed  or 
oioned,  by  each  of  them,  and  the  amount  of  their  respective  per- 
sonal estates.  — It  is  thus  that  the  law  provides  for  the  assessing 
of  the  State  Tax. — 

The  same  law  authorizes  the  Justices  of  the  court  of  Sessions, 
in  the  respective  Counties,  to  apportion  the  County  Tax  on  the 
several  towns  according  to  the  proportion  at  which  they  are  rated 
in  the  Schedule  aforesaid. —  The  law  provides  also  that  the  Town 
Taxes  may  be  levied  and  collected  according  to  a  valuation  to  be 
taken  in  any  town  at  any  time  of  the  year  v^hich  the  Inhabitants 
at  a  legal  meeting  to  be  loarnedfor  the  purpose  tnay  determine  to 
be  necessary. 

The  existing  laws  are  wisely  framed,  embrace  [383]  every 
suitable  subject  of  taxation,  and  give  ample  authority  to  assessors 
in  the  discharge  of  their  duty.  It  appears  then  only  necessary 
that  they  should  be  impartially  and  firmly  enforced  to  secure  the 
chief  objects  desired. —  The  Committee  are  unable  to  percieve  any 
defect  except  the  law  not  making  real  property  liable  for  the 
taxes  assessed  upon  it. — 

In  Cases  where  estates  are  mortgaged  for  their  full  value,  and 
the  mortgager  has  no  other  property  but  retains  the  possession, 
the  taxes  must  be  assessed  upon  the  insolvent  owner,  and  in 
default  of  his  paying  them  they  cannot  be  collected. — 


228  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  Committee  learn  that  several  very  valuable  estates  have 
been,  and  stll  are,  in  this  predicament,  and  no  tax  can  be  col- 
lected of  the  owners  in  possession. — 

2'1'i  Two  assistant  Assessors  are  annually  chosen  in  each  of  the 
twelve  Wards  of  the  town,  by  the  Freeholders ;  and  in  conven- 
tion three  principal  Assessors  are  chosen  by  them  to  perform  the 
duty  required  by  law,  with  the  aid  afforded  by  the  Assistants. 
Accompanied  by  the  Assistant  Assessors  of  the  Ward  the  Assess- 
ors visit  every  dwelling  therein  to  take  the  Polls  and  the  real 
estates,  appraising  them  at  their  supposed  cash  value,  and  assess- 
ing the  Taxes  upon  the  occupant  when  he  is  responsible.  After- 
wards, the  Assessors,  by  advertising  in  all  the  news  papers,  call 
upon  the  Inhabitants  to  return  [383]  lists  of  all  their  personal 
property.  In  very  few  instances  is  this  requisition  complied 
with. — The  Assessors  then  proceed,  with  the  aid  of  the  Assistants 
to  estimate  or  doom  the  Inhabitants  for  their  personal  property 
according  to  the  best  information  they  can  obtain  and  their  own 
judgment.  When  this  duty  is  completed  they  again  publicly 
call  upon  the  inhabitants  to  examine  the  assessments  at  their 
office.  The  invitation  is  generally  neglected.  In  proper  time 
the  lists  are  committed  to  the  Collector,  who  sends  Tax  bills  to 
the  dwellings  of  all  the  inhabitants. — For  two  years  the  whole 
Board  of  Assistant  Assessors  has  assembled  to  revise  the  doom- 
ing made  by  the  ward  assessors,  and  the  beneficial  effects  of  this 
measure  have  been  apparent.  Such  is  the  practice  of  levying 
the  taxes.  The  Committee  are  of  opinion  that  the  principal 
Assessors  for  the  time  being  are  competent  for  the  discharge 
of  their  duty  and  desirous  to  perform  it  with  fidelity  and  impar- 
tiality, but  that  they  have  given  too  much  latitude  to  the  author- 
ity to  abate  taxes.  The  law  authorises  them  to  abate  taxes  in 
certain  specified  cases.  The  Finance  Committee  of  the  town 
annually  report  that  the  sum  of  ten  thousand  Dollars  be  raised 
in  addition  to  the  estimated  amount  of  the  disbursements,  to  pro- 
vide for  abatements  which  have  usually  amounted  to  about  that 
sum — The  Board  of  Assessors  a  year  since  passed  a  vote  recom- 
mending that  no  abatements  should  be  made  by  the  principal 
assessors  unless  the  Assistants  for  the  Ward  in  which  the  com- 
plainant lived  [383^]  should  concur  in  the  measure. — The 
consequence  of  this  judicious  vote  has  been  that  the  abatements 
of  the  last  year  but  little  exceeded  six  thousand  dollars. — The 
Committee  are  of  opinion  that  further  checks  can  and  ought  to  be 
made  on  this  authority  to  abate  taxes. — They  find  that  opulent 
citizens  do  not  hesitate  to  exert  persevering  personal  application 
to  the  Assessors  until  they  obtain  reductions  of  their  taxes.  — 
The  language  of  the  law  is  imperative.  "If  there  be  any  per- 
sons who  by  reason  of  age,  infirmity  or  poverty  may  be  unable 
to  contribute  towards  the  public  charges  in  the  judgment  of  the 
assessors  they  may  exempt  the  Polls  and  Estates  of  such  persons 
or  abate  any  part  of  what  they  are  assessed  at,  as  said  assessors 
may  think  just  and  equitable."     The  Committee  are  of  opinion 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  229 

that  after  publicly  requiring  the  inhabitants  to  hand  in  lists  of 
their  property  ;  after  inviting  them  to  examine  their  assessments  ; 
and  tlie  lists  tire  handed  to  tlie  collector;  the  Assessors  should 
adhere  to  the  strict  letter  of  the  law,  and  make  no  abatements 
unless  in  cases  specified,  viz,  "  age,  infirmity  or  poverty."  — 

One  ground  of  complaint  has  been  that  many  rich  inhabitants 
leave  town  the  last  of  April  to  take  a  temporary  residence  in  the 
Country  on  the  first  of  May  where  by  an  agreement  with  such 
places,  or  otherwise,  they  p'ay  but  a  small  proportion  of  the  sum 
they  would  be  liable  for  if  they  continued  in  town,  and  escape  all 
asesssments  [384]  upon  their  personal  property  in  this  town, 
where  they  reside  the  greatest  part  of  the  year.  While  many 
honorable  exceptions  exist  to  this  practice,  the  Committee  cannot 
but  reprobate  this  conduct  in  those  who  are  guilty  of  it.  It  is 
avoiding  paying  a  just  quota  of  the  taxes  which  are  assessed  for 
the  protection  of  these  persons  and  their  property,  for  the 
education  of  their  children,  and  the  support  of  all  those  valuable 
institutions  which  do  honour  to  the  town,  and  of  which  such 
citizens  have  their  full  benefit. — 

Of  similar  character  are  the  threats  often  used  to  remove  from 
town  if  taxes  are  not  lessened,  and  even  by  some  who  have 
amassed  large  property  by  residing  in  a  place  towards  which  they 
are  so  ungrateful. — The  vote  of  the  town  passed  last  May, 
directing  the  Assessors  henceforward  to  assess  Taxes  for  per- 
sonal property  upon  the  inhabitants  who  have  residence  in  town 
the  first  Tuesday  in  February  annually  will,  it  is  believed,  check 
these  abuses  and  oblige  all  to  pay  their  reasonable  proportion  of 
the  burden  of  the  town  and  County  taxes  or  take  up  their 
permanent  residence  in  other  places. — 

Another  complaint  to  a  considerable  degree  well  founded  is, 
that  the  richer  classes  of  inhabitants  are  not  proportionably 
taxed  with  those  of  smaller  property.  The  fact  is  clear  that  in 
the  ratio  of  a  person's  ability  to  pay  taxes  he  is  practically 
exempted  from  the  weight  of  taxation.  [385]  So  apparent  is 
this  fact  that  seldom  does  a  complainant  aver  that  he  is  taxed 
more  than  his  proportion  of  the  aggregate  of  town  and  county 
taxes.  This  complaint  is  that  he  is  unequally  taxed  in  proportion 
to  those  who  are  as  rich  or  richer. —  To  remedy  as  far  as  possible 
this  real  evil  many  are  desirous  that  the  monied  institutions  in 
the  Town  should  be  taxed  in  their  corporate  capacities.  The 
Committee  are  however  of  opinion  that  such  a  proceeding  would 
be  illegal  and  unjust.  The  Tax  Act  directs  Assessors  to  "assess 
upon  the  respective  inhabitants  "  only ;  and  gives  no  authority  to 
assess  upon  incorporated  companies. —  The  same  Act  requires  the 
Assessors  to  assess  upon  the  inhabitants  according  to  the  pro- 
portion of  the  amount  of  their  respective  personal  estate,  includ- 
ing "  all  Batik  Stock  or  shares  in  any  other  incorporated  Com- 


230  City  Document  No.  128. 

pany  possessing  taxable  property,  according  to  the  just  value 
thereof."— In  dooming  therefore,  the  Assessors  include  all  the 
Stocks  owned  by  the  inhabitants,  and  were  the  monied  institu- 
tions to  be  taxed,  the  Stockholders  would  pay  a  double  tax. — 

The  great  cause  of  dissatisfaction  and  complaint,  among  the 
inhabitants,  it  is  repeated,  is  that  the  taxes  are  not  assessed  in 
proportion  to  the  property  liable  to  be  taxed.  The  Committee 
are  aware  that  it  is  impossible  to  have  a  perfect  system ;  that 
many  will  escape  [386]  owing  to  their  property  being  under- 
valued;  that  some  will  pay  an  unequal  proportion,  on  account  of 
their  property  being  overestimated,  and  that  mistakes  and  false 
judgments,  incident  to  all,  will  occasionally  operate.  —  They  are 
of  opinion  that  the  great  body  of  the  inhabitants,  when  they  con- 
sider that  all  our  taxes  are  imposed  by  officers  of  their  own 
annual  choice ;  that  the  amount  of  them  is  small  compared  with 
taxes  of  other  large  towns  in  this  country,  and  almost  nothing  in 
comparison  with  the  heavy  taxes  of  other  countries ;  that  the 
amount  raised  is  applied  to  so  valuable  purposes ;  that  the  duty 
of  assessing  is  an  arduous  one,  and  the  aim  of  the  Assessors  to 
do  their  duty  impartially,  will  cheerfully  submit  to  the  operation 
of  a  system,  which  if  imperfect  can  be  rendered  more  perfect  by 
themselves. 

The  Committee  submit  to  the  consideration  of  the  Town  the 
following  votes  which  they  recommend  for  adoption. — 

Voted,  That  previous  to  the  annual  assessments  being  defini- 
tively determined,  the  whole  Board  of  Assistant  Assessors  and 
Principal  Assessors  shall  assemble  to  revise  the  dooming  of  all 
the  inhabitants  whose  taxable  property  shall  exceed  the  sum  of 
two  thousand  dollars. — 

Voted,  That  after  such  revision  no  alteration  shall  be  made 
unless  the  Assistant  Assessors,  [387]  for  the  Ward  in  which  the 
person  taxed  shall  reside,  shall  be  present  and  concur  with  the 
principal  Assessors  in  making  such  alterations ;  and  provided 
that  the  complainant  shall  previously  render  a  list  of  all  his  per- 
sonal property  on  oath,  to  said  Assessors. — 

Voted,  That  the  Assessors  be  directed  to  make  no  abatement  of 
Taxes,  after  the  lists  are  committed  to  the  Treasurer  and  Col- 
lector, unless  in  the  cases  specified  by  law,  viz  age,  infirmity  or 
poverty. 

Voted,  That  the  Assessors  be  directed  to  assess  upon  the 
amount  of  what  they  deem  each  taxable  inhabitants  personal 
property  to  be. — 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  a  Committee  to  take  into  con- 
sideration the  propriety  of  applying  to  the  Legislature  to  insert  a 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  231 

clause  in  the  next  tax  act  making  the  specific  real  estates  liable 
for  all  taxes  levied  thereon ;  and  that  said  Committee  make  such 
application,  on  behalf  of  the  Town,  if  they  shall  judge  the  same 
to  be  expedient. — 

For  the  Committee 

Lewis  Tappan  — 

The  foregoing  Report  was  read  and  Accepted. — 

[388.]  The  Committee  appointed  to  apply  to  the  Court  of 
Sessions,  for  a  Statement,  giving  the  details  of  the  expenses  of 
the  County  of  Suffolk: — made  a  Report,  which  was  read  and 
ordei'ed  to  be  printed  for  the  infoi'mation  of  the  inhabitants  ;  — 
to  be  acted  upon  at  the  adjournment. — 

Adjourned  to  Monday  22"^.  October,  at  10  o'clock  A.M. 

Boston  October  22^1.  1821 
Met  according  to  adjournment,  10  o'clock  A.M. 

The  two  following  Reports,  which  had  been  printed,  and  distrib- 
uted among  the  Inhabitants,  were  read  —  viz  — 

The  Committee  appointed  at  the  Meeting  of  the  second  day  of 
July  last,  and  "■'  authorized  in  behalf  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  to 
request  of  the  Honorable  Court  of  Sessions,  to  furnish  the  Town 
with  a  Statement,  giving  the  details  of  the  expenditures  in  their 
department  on  account  of  the  County ;  and  give  such  further 
information  to  the  Committee  relative  to  the  receipts  and  expend- 
itures on  account  of  the  County,  as  may  be  necessary,  or  as  they 
may  require  to  enable  the  Town  to  form  a  correct  opinion  in 
relation  to  their  monied  [389]  concerns."  —  Ask  leave  respect- 
fully to  Report :  — 

That  they  have  attended  to  the  execution  of  the  above  duty  by 
addressing  a  letter  under  date  of  July  10*"^  to  the  Honorable 
Court  of  Sessions,  giving  a  Copy  of  the  vote  of  the  Town,  to 
which  they  have  received  no  answer.  In  conversation  afterwards 
with  one  of  the  Justices  of  the  said  Court,  he  informed  the  Com- 
mittee, that  as  the  Court  was  not  appointed  by  the  authority  of 
the  Town,  it  could  not  without  impropriety  render  an  account  of 
its  doings  to  them,  and  like  all  other  public  officers  could  be 
amenable  [only]  to  those  by  whom  they  were  appointed.  At  the 
same  time  this  Gentleman  observed  that  the  Court  had  no  wish  to 
conceal  any  of  the  affairs  under  their  charge,  and  that  the  Commit- 
tee might  obtain  a  knowledge  of  all  the  monies  received  and 
disbursed  by  the  Court,  by  inquiry  of  the  County  Treasurer  and 
that  he  should  be  very  willing  to  give  any  information  in  his 
power  which  might  be  necessary  to  enable  the  Committee  to 
understand  these  accounts. — 


232  City  Document  No.  128. 

Your  Committee  then  addressed  themselves,  to  the  County 
Treasurer,  and  found  from  him  that  all  the  accounts  previously 
settled,  up  to  the  recent  period  of  his  coming  into  office,  were 
filed  at  the  Clerk's  office  in  the  County  Court  House,  After  some 
examination  of  different  Accounts,  the  Committee  thought  it 
would  [390]  answer  the  views  of  the  Town,  in  part,  to  exhibit 
one  of  these  accounts  ;  they  therefore  made  a  copy  of  the  Treas- 
urer's general  account  for  1820,  which  is  herewith  submitted, 
and  on  which  they  will  offer  a  few  remarks. — 

The  total  of  this  account  is  much  larger  than  those  of  common 
years,  as  will  be  also  that  of  1821,  which  is  owing  to  the  erection 
of  the  new  County  Prison.  The  Committee  did  not  deem  it  their 
duty  to  inquire  especially  into  this  expenditure.  They  may  how- 
ever, congratulate  the  County  on  the  erection  of  a  prison  which 
will  relieve  it  from  reproach,  to  which  the  defects  of  the  present 
prison  have  long  exposed  it  —  The  new  buildings  seem  to  be  con- 
structed in  the  most  substantial  manner,  on  the  most  improved 
plans,  and  as  they  are  superintended  by  a  very  capable  architect 
will  no  doubt  be  faithfully  executed.  The  County  besides  has  a 
further  security,  that  every  thing  relating  to  this  prison  will  be 
transacted  with  the  greatest  prudence  and  fidelity,  as  it  appears 
by  the  accounts  of  the  Court  of  Sessions  that  three  gentlemen  are 
paid  as  agents  for  superintending  it. — 

So  far  as  the  Committee  have  been  able  to  ascertain,  the  ordi- 
nary expenses  of  the  County  are  between  thirty  and  forty  thou- 
sand dollars  annually,  and  the  Committee  think  the  best  service 
they  can  render,  is  to  call  the  earnest  attention  [391]  of  the 
Town  to  the  principal  object  of  this  expenditure.  It  will  be  seen 
by  the  Treasurer's  account  for  1820,  that  without  including"  any 
part  of  the  eleventh  item,  the  sum  of  129071.76  was  charged  for 
courts  and  magistrates  ;  to  this  article  may  be  added  the  salaries 
of  Judge  of  the  Municipal  Court,  and  the  Police  Officer,  paid  at 
the  Town  Treasury,  amounting  to  $1650,  which  added  to  the 
former  will  make  an  expense  of  $30,721.76,  for  the  purposes 
almost  exclusively  of  police  and  criminal  jurisdiction  ;  without 
mentioning  the  sums  paid  for  the  Town  Watch  and  employ  of 
Constables  by  the  Selectmen.  It  will  be  recollected  that  this 
expense  is  independent  of  what  is  paid  under  the  jurisdiction  of 
the  United  States  for  criminal  purposes  ;  and  that  after  conviction 
for  heavy  offences,  the  culprit  is  transferred  to  the  State  prison. 
It  would  seem  then  obvious  that  there  must  be  some  waste  in  this 
part  of  our  expenditure. — 

The  character  of  the  Courts,  and  the  Officers,  as  well  as  the 
entire  publicity  of  their  transactions  render  it  unnecessary  to 
look  for  any  useless  expense,  except  to  that  branch  of  the  magis- 
tracy who  do  not  enjoy  the  advantage  of  the  last  of  these  circum- 
stances, the  entire  publicity  of  their  transactions.     The  item  for 


Boston  Town  Rbcords,  1821.  233 

'"Justices,  Sheriffs,  Constables,  &c.  amounting  to  $18700.77. 
appeared  to  your  Committee  to  be  the  one  that  most  required  in- 
vestigation ;  but  in  attempting  to  make  it,  they  [393]  found 
themselves  checked  in  the  outset,  by  a  want  of  the  Schedules, 
particularizing  the  annual  charges  made  by  these  Justices  against 
the  County,  all  of  which  for  several  years  past  have  been  taken 
out  of  the  files,  and  the  Committee  have  not  been  able  to  find 
them. — 

But  in  the  files  of  the  first  part  of  the  present  year,  appertain- 
ing to  the  account  of  Mr.  Weld,  the  late  County  'J'reasurer 
settled  when  he  left  the  office ;  which  account  is  for  a  period  of 
four  months  and  a  half  only,  the  schedule  of  a  similar  item,  is 
to  be  found.  By  this  it  appears  that  for  this  period  the  sum 
paid  to  the  Justices  of  the  Peace  amounted  to  $3414.  — -,  and 
taking  the  same  proportion  for  twelve  months  it  would  be  $9104. 
—  Of  the  two  highest  of  these  charges,  the  first  amounts  to 
$737.23,  which  at  the  same  rate  for  a  year  would  be  $1965.95, 
and  the  second  to  $620.30,  which  at  the  same  rate  for  a  year 
would  be  $1654.13.  The  receipts  of  Constables  are  not  very  far 
short  of  that  of  the  Magistrates,  though  the  number  of  the 
former  is  nearly  double.  It  will  be  recollected  that  these  chai^ges 
of  Magistrates  and  Constables,  paid  by  the  public,  are  only  for 
the  costs  that  the  individuals  are  not  able  to  pay.  The  aggregate 
therefore  received  from  the  community  in  their  individual  and 
corporate  capacities  must  be  a  very  considerable  amount.  Now 
without  imputing  blame  to  any  individual,  the  Committee  would 
suggest  that  this  inferior  department  of  Justice  seems  liable  to 
many  [394*]  objections  under  its  present  system  ;  that  the  im- 
mediate espence  is  perhaps  one  of  the  least  of  its  evils,  and  that 
the  honor  and  interests  of  the  County  render  a  different  organi- 
zation of  it,  a  subject  of  very  urgent  importance. 

Your  Committee  may  perhaps  be  satisfied,  that  they  have  done 
all  that  was  required  of  them  ;  yet  they  would  have  added  a  few 
remarks  on  some  details  of  minor  consequence,  which  might 
require  some  correction,  but  as  they  found  in  the  course  of  their 
enquiries,  that  another  Committee  had  preceded  them,  on  the 
same  ground,  and  were  to  make  their  report  at  the  same  time, 
they  were  apprehensive  they  might-  be  troubling  the  Town 
with  a  repetition  of  the  same  facts,  and  will  therefore  only  add 
to  this  report  a  very  few  remarks  that  arose  incidentally  from  the 
subject  of  their  inquiry.  The  County  of  Suffolk  is  composed  of 
the  towns  of  Boston  and  Chelsea,  the  contributions  from  which 
towns  for  1821,  is  stated  as  follows  :  — 

Boston    $25,332.52 

Chelsea  187.63 


$25,520.15 


*  Pages  of  original  record  book  mimbered  incorrectly,  number  393  being  omitted. 


234  City  Document  No.  128. 

By  which  it  appears  that  the  Town  of  Boston,  with  the  exception 
of  a  very  small  fraction,  pays  the  whole  expense  of  the  County ; 
and  yet  the  authority  that  receives  and  disburses  the  whole  of  this 
money  is  not  accountable  to  the  Town.  But  the  circumstance  that 
the  Court  of  Sessions  is  not  accountable  to  the  Town,  [395]  is 
not  the  only  disadvantage  arising  to  the  Citizens  from  its  jurisdic- 
tion ;  but  the  concurrent  authority,  without  concert  which  they  hold 
with  the  Selectmen  in  expending  the  Taxes  of  the  Town,  for  the 
County  is  virtually  the  same  thing,  must  often  occasion  loss  and 
inconvenience.  A  single  case  may  be  cited  to  exemplify  this. 
In  October  1820,  10,000  dollars  were  borrowed  under  the  author- 
ity of  the  Court  of  Sessions,  payable  in  four  years  at  5^  PCent. 
interest,  payable  semi-annually,  and  other  sums  have  been  bor- 
rowed since,*  at  5  Per  cent,  while  at  the  same,  or  nearly  the  same 
periods,  that  these  sums  were  borrowed  for  the  use  of  the  Town 
as  a  County,  the  Town,  as  a  Town,  had  money  lying  in  the  banks 
to  meet  demands,  for  which  they  onl}^  received  three  Per  cent, 
interest :  which  interest  however,  the  Committee  are  pleased  in 
remarking  is  an  advantage  recently  secured  to  the  Town,  for 
until  the  past  year,  the  Town  received  no  interest  on  its  de- 
posits.— 

Another  disadvantage  arising  from  this  kind  [396]  of  double 
government,  arises  under  the  head  of  Licenses.  By  the  present 
regulations,  the  application  is  made  to  the  Selectmen  ;  if  they 
apYjrobate  the  petition,  it  goes  to  the  Court  of  Sessions  who  grant 
the  license  ;  but  as  they  do  not  make  regular  returns  to  the  Select- 
men, there  is  an  uncertainty  with  regard  to  persons  licensed,  and 
many  retailers  of  spirits  evade  the  laws  requiring  licenses. 

From  a  consideration  of  these  circumstances,  and  of  others  of 
less  importance,  that  might  have  been  enumerated  ;  from  a  per- 
suasion that  great  improvements  may  be  made  and  much  un- 
necessary expense  be  saved  in  the  department  of  petty  criminal 
jurisdiction,  the  Committee  are  induced  to  recommend  that  the 
following  vote  should  be  passed  by  the  Town  : 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  of  seven  gentlemen  be  appointed, 
who  shall  be  directed  to  inquire  into  the  expediency  of  giving 
the  same  limits  to  the  Town  and  County  ;  to  ascertain  whether 
the  Court  of  Sessions  cannot  be  modified  or  abolished ;  and  to 
propose  a  system  for  the  consideration  of  a  future  meeting, 
whereby  greater  unity  in  administration,  more  direct  responsibility 
for  expenditures,  and  more  exact  economy  in  the  expenses  of 
Town  and  County  may  be  effected. — 

W.  Tudor,  Per  order. 

*  The  amount  of  borrowed  money  which  the  County  owes  at  the  present  time  Is 
65.186.37-lOOths.  in  addition  to  which  the  TreaBurer  informs  the  Committee  he  expects 
shortly  to  borrow  a  fu'-ther  sum  of  10,000  dollars,  making  the  whole  amount  of  the 
County  Debt,  Seventy  five  thousand,  one  hundred  and  eighty  six  dollars,  and  thirty 
seven  cents.  — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  235 

[397.]  Additional  Report  of  the  Committee  upon  the  sub- 
ject of  uniting  the  two  offices  of  County  and  Town  Treasurer. 

In  attending  to  the  remaining  part  of  the  business  committed 
to  them,  viz.  "To  frame  regulations  and  to  reeommend  such 
measures  as  may  be  deemed  most  proper  to  carry  into  effect  the 
votes  of  the  Town  for  the  union  of  the  two  offices  of  County  and 
Town  Treasurer  —  the  Committee  ask  leave  to  Report :  — 

Having  explained  the  temporary  obstacles  which  were  opposed 
to  the  desired  union  of  the  two  offices  the  past  year,  they 
conceive  it  their  duty  to  point  out  those  which  will  probably 
operate  hereafter  as  permanent  ones.  The  first  which  presents 
itself  is,  that  the  County  being  composed  of  two  Towns,  two 
distinct  sets  of  books  become  necessary  for  the  different  accounts 
of  the  county  treasurer  and  the  treasurer  of  the  town  of  Boston. 
The  second  which  thej^  think  necessary  to  enumerate,  and  which 
has  operated  as  a  strong  ground  of  objection  to  the  acceptance  of 
the  offices  by  one  person,  and  will  so  continue  to  operate  under 
the  present  arrangement  of  the  county  business,  arises  from  the 
numerous  accounts  quarterly  and  yearly  brought  against  the 
County  for  expenses  incurred  by  those  criminal  prosecutions 
which  originate  in  justice  courts. —  The  fees  arising  upon  these 
[398]  prosecutions  are  always  a  charge  upon  and  paid  by  the 
County,  whenever  the  defendants  are  acquitted,  and  whenever 
upon  their  conviction,  they  are  unable  to  pay.  The  last  obstacle 
to  the  desired  union  will  be  found  in  the  fact,  that  all  the  pecu- 
niary concerns  of  the  County  are  under  the  sole  control  and 
direction  of  the  court  of  sessions,  composed  of  five  judges,  who 
are  not  accountable  to  the  two  towns,  of  which  the  county  is 
composed,  for  any  of  their  proceedings,  have  the  sole  and  exclu- 
sive authority  to  direct  the  county  treasurer  in  all  the  business  of 
his  office,  and  to  call  him  to  account  for  all  monies  collected  by 
taxes,  or  borrowed  by  their  authority  on  the  credit  of  the  county. 
The  obstacles  alluded  to  by  the  Committee  might  be  removed. 
ist  —  gy  erecting  Boston  into  an  independent  county,  and  thereby 
rendering  two  sets  of  books  for  town  and  county  treasurer 
unnecessaiy.  2"*^ — By  rendering  the  county  accounts  under  this 
new  arrangement  still  less  multifarious  and  less  burthensome  on 
the  new  treasurer ;  —  which  might  be  effected  by  transferring  the 
present  criminal  jurisdiction  now  exercised  by  our  justices  of  the 
peace  to  a  more  independent  and  efficient  criminal  court,  and  also 
by  totally  abolishing  the  present  court  of  sessions  and  vesting  its 
authority,  partly  in  the  Selectmen,  and  partly  in  the  proposed 
new  criminal  court,  as  hereafter  suggested. — 

[399.]  As  to  the  benefits  which  either  Boston  or  Chelsea 
derives  from  being  united  in  one  County,  none  are  apparent,  but 
the  disadvantages  are  very  evident.  The  amount  paid  by  Chelsea 
towards  the  county  tax  is  so  very  small,  that  to  Boston  it  can  be 


236  City  Document  No.  128. 

no  relief,  for  out  of  $30,000,  the  Tax  for  1820,  Chelsea  paid  but 
$231.60.  On  the  part  of  Chelsea  no  benefit  arises,  by  its  being 
connected  with  the  County  of  Suffolk,  unless  the  inhabitants 
prefer  attending  court  as  jurymen,  to  staying  at  home,  (which  we 
cannot  presume)  for  if  it  was  annexed  to  the  county  of  Essex  or 
Middlesex,  the  call  for  jurymen  would  not  be  made  but  half  so 
often,  and  the  number  of  courts  would  not  be  half  so  many  to 
attend,  as  at  present,  while  connected  with  Boston. — 

If  the  town  of  Boston  should  become  a  county  by  itself, 
the  Committee  of  Finance  might  then  be  authorized  to  choose 
one  treasurer,  to  discharge  the  duties  now  performed  by  two, 
provided  those  duties  can  be  so  simplified  as  to  remove  the  objec- 
tions to  the  acceptance  of  this  office,  and  the  difficulties  in  per- 
forming the  business  can  be  avoided.  The  erection  of  Boston 
into  a  county  by  itself,  would  not  only  facilitate  the  contemplated 
union  of  the  two  offices  in  manner  above  suggested,  but  would 
be  attended  with  other  advantages  to  the  town  of  no  small 
importance.  The  contemplated  alterations  would  lessen  the 
expenses  of  the  town  in  many  other  [400]  respects,  besides  the 
saving  to  be  made  by  the  union  of  the  two  offices  in  .one.  That 
the  expenses  of  the  county  of  Suffolk  are  at  present  enormous, 
will  appear  by  an  examination  of  the  account  hereto  annexed, 
N°.  1.  which  is  copied  from  the  official  return,  made  by  the  court 
of  Sessions  to  the  office  of  the  Secretary  of  State  in  January, 
1821  —  Of  the  items  which  makeup  the  different  amounts  con- 
tained in  schedule  N°.  3,  we  could  not  obtain  full  and  satisfactory 
infomiation,  but  have  received  enough  to  authorize  a  belief  that 
much  the  largest  part  arises  directly,  or  in  consequence  of  the 
present  administration  of  the  criminal  and  penal  code  of  laws,  on 
prosecutions  which  originate  in  our  justice  courts.  That  abuses 
exist,  which,  if  not  a  perversion  of  justice,  border  upon  it,  under 
the  forms  of  law,  has  been  for  a  long  time  believed  and  regretted, 
by  those  who  have  an  opportunity  of  knowing  the  number  of  war- 
rants which  have  been  issued  by  justices,  and  the  trifling  causes 
of  complaint  upon  which  they  have  been  founded.  If  to  the 
large  item  of  $18700.77  contained  in  schedule  N".  3,  we  add 
that  part  of  the  expenses  which  are  charged  in  N*'.  11,  amounting 
to  $3,543.52,  paid  to  the  Sheriff  for  dieting  prisoners  from  the 
first  of  May  to  the  31^*  of  October  1820,  or  six  months,  we 
think  the  present  enormous  expenses  of  the  county  cannot  but  be 
apparent,  although  we  should  make  due  allowance  for  part  of 
these  expenses  which  are  paid  by  the  State. 

[401.]  We  had  intended  to  give  a  more  minute  detail ; 
which  we  presume  could  be  found  in  the  schedules  referred  to  in 
the  above  account,  and  to  separate  those  charges  which  fall 
wholly  on  the  county,  from  those  paid  by  the  state,  but  could  not 
find  them,  either  at  the  office  of  the  secretary  of  State,  where 
copies  ought  to  have  been  left  —  of  the  clerk  of  the  Court  of 
Sessions,  or  of  that  of  the  County  Treasurer,  where  they  should 
be  deposited  and  kept. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  237 

When  it  is  considered,  that  many  justices  of  the  peace  in  this 
county  depend  upon  the  fees  of  their  offices  for  subsistence,  that 
the  power  to  issue  warrants  at  their  discretion  is  vested  in  them 
by  law,  as  well  as  the  authority  to  convict,  acquit  or  bind  over 
delinquents  ;  that  they  are  subject  to  no  effectual  control  for  the 
abuse  of  their  discretionary  authority,  (though  a  general  convic- 
tion exists  that  it  is  abused;)  that  their  charges  are  sanctioned 
by  statute  law,  and  their  full  amount  will  eventually  be  paid  by 
the  county,  if  delinquents  prove  unable  ;  —  it  would  be  reposing 
a  degree  of  confidence  in  human  weakness  which  experience  will 
by  no  means  justify,  to  expect,  that  all  this  unrestrained  power 
will  not  be  abused,  or  that  such  strong  motives  of  interest  per- 
petually operating,  as  temptations  to  misconduct,  will  be  success- 
fully resisted.  It  cannot  be  expected  that  under  such  a  system 
of  things,  prosecutions  [403]  will  be  discouraged,  but  rather 
encouraged  and  promoted.  The  consequence  is,  and  will  continue 
to  be,  an  enormous  expense  to  the  county,  and  an  increasing  bur- 
then upon  its  treasurer,  upon  whom  devolves  the  whole  duty  of 
discharging  these  numerous  demands.  It  is  only  by  appointing 
some  of  the  most  respectable  and  virtuous  of  our  fellow-citizens 
with  authority  to  hold  exclusive  original  cognizance  of  all  crim- 
inal matters,  nowcognizable  by  justices  of  the  peace,  with  fixed 
salaries,  that  these  evils  can  be  remedied  ;  which  are  as  much  the 
bane  of  society,  as  an  unnecessary  and  great  charge  upon  the 
county.  It  is  confidently  believed,  that  the  fees  established  by 
law,  would  be  sufficient  to  defray  all  the  expenses  of  this  court, 
over  and  above  those  paid  by  the  county,  and  if  not,  the 
deficiency  would  be  several  thousands  of  dollars  less,  than  is  now 
paid  out  of  the  county  treasury,  to  justices,  constables,  &c  &c. — 

The  other  advantages  to  be  derived  from  the  proposed  change, 
would  arise  from  making  those  who  manage  the  pecuniary  con- 
cerns of  the  county,  more  amenable  to  those  whose  agents  they 
are,  and  whose  money  they  expend.  A  great  saving  in  the  an- 
nual expenses  of  the  county  might  be  effected  by  a  more  direct 
accountability  of  its  agents  to  their  constituents,  —  We  have 
stated  that  the  court  of  sessions,  in  which  is  vested  by  law,  all 
the  management  [403]  of  the  pecuniary  concerns  of  the  county, 
are  but  nominally  accountable  to  any  body  of  men.  Although 
they  are  bound  to  render  annually  to  the  Legislature  an  account 
of  their  expenditures  of  the  past  year  and  an  estimate  of-  the 
probable  amount  of  the  ensuing,  before  they  can  obtain  a  resohe 
authorizing  them  to  levy  a  tax  on  the  county ;  yet  it  is  too  noto- 
rious to  be  doubted  that  little  investigation  is  usually  made,  and 
for  this  obvious  reason,  that  the  Legislature  is  not  required  to 
make  provision  for  the  payment  of  county  expenses,  otherwise 
than  by  passing  a  resolve  authorising  the  tax  to  be  levied, 
which  is  usually  for  the  amount  required ;  as  no  complaint  is 
made  by  the  people,  it  is  undoubtedly  taken  for  granted  that  the 
estimate  of  the  court  of  sessions  is  right,  the  sum  asked  for 
wanted,  and  therefore  leave  is  granted  to  lay  a  tax  to  raise  it. 


238  City  Document  No.  128. 

How  much  this  legislative  authority  of  superintending  the  ses- 
sions accounts,  is  exercised  for  the  benefit  of  the  county,  may 
appear  from  comparing  the  estimates  of  the  expenses  of  1821, 
with  those   actually  incurred   in  1820,  which   is    also   annexed, 

N''.  2.— 

In  this  estimate  for  Justices'  fees,  chargeable  to  the  County 
for  1821,  there  appears  charged  but  S3000 ;  when  the  amount 
actually  paid  to  oiie  Justice  between  February  and  October, 
1820,  was  $1366.45,  and  to  three  Justices  from  January  to 
October,  of  the  same  year  was  paid  $3100.63  [404]  more 
than  ten  Justices  having  been  paid  their  accounts  that  year 
agaiust  the  county ;  and  the  estimate  for  Constable's  fees  in 
criminal  bills  of  costs  for  1821,  is  but  $1800,  when  the  amount 
paid  to  o7ie  of  them  only  between  March  and  December,  1820, 
was  $1121.50.  These  two  items  were  obtained  from  a  view  of 
a  copy  of  the  official  paper,  for  a  short  time,  containing  the 
particulars  of  which  the  schedule  N°.  3,  in  the  account  N°.  1,  is 
made  up.  As  another  evidence  that  great  saving  might  be  made 
in  the  expenses  of  the  county  if  its  pecuniary  concerns  were 
managed  by  the  same  persons  who  now  so  judiciously  direct 
those  of  the  town,  we  would  mention  one  fact  only,  which  is, 
that  while  the  Court  of  Sessions,  as  guardians  of  the  pecuniary 
interest  of  the  County  of  Suffolk,  were  borrowing  money  of 
Banks  and  individuals  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  County, 
at  a  rate,  it  is  believed,  of  not  less  than  Six  per  cent,  per  annum 
interest,  and  while  they  were  petitioning,  as  they  did  in  their 
application  to  the  Legislature,  in  January,  1821,  for  a  tax  to  be 
laid  on  the  county,  among  other  things  for  raising  $2400  to  pay 
interest  on  loans  the  present  year,  the  Committee  of  Finance 
of  this  town  were  negotiating  with  a  bank  to  take  the  town's 
money,  lying  useless  in  the  Treasury,  as  it  necessarily  must 
every  year,  from  the  fall,  when  taxes  are  paid,  till  the  ensuing 
summer,  when  it  is  wanted,  [405]  and  at  that  very  period 
actually  amounting  to  70  or  80,000  dollars,  at  the  rate  of  3 
per  cent,  interest  per  annum.  If  a  less  rate  of  interest  is  now 
paid  by  the  County  for  a  part  of  money  borrowed,  we  are 
indebted  to  the  Chairman  of  the  Committee  of  Finance,  whose 
vigilance  to  promote  the  best  interest  and  most  economical  man- 
agement of  the  town's  affairs  has  been  so  conspicuous. 
Many  other  reasons  might  be  given  and  facts  stated,  which  would 
tend  to  shew  the  propriety  of  the  remedy  we  propose  suggesting 
to  the  town ;  but  believing  as  we  do,  that  those  already  offered 
are  sufficient,  we  proceed  respectfully  to  recommend  as  the 
most  effectual  means  to  accomplish  the  object  for  which 
this  Committee  was  appointed.  That  a  Committee  be  chosen 
to  apply  to  the  Legislature,  1^'.  To  separate  the  town 
of  Chelsea  from  the  County  of  Suffolk,  and  erect  the 
town  of  Boston  into  a  County  by  itself.  2"^*.  That  the  Court  of 
Sessions  of  this  County  be  abolished  and  all  the  business  of  the 


Boston  Town  Recokds,  1821.  239 

County,  heretofore  under  the  control  of  this  Court,  be  transferred 
to  the  Selectmen  of  the  town  of  Boston,  except  so  far  as  herein- 
after provided.  3'-^.  That  the  duties  heretofore  performed  by  the 
Treasurer  of  the  County  of  Suffolk,  shall  be  performed  by  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  and  the  two  ottiees,  hereafter 
be  united  in  one  person,  and  all  liabilities,  to  which  the  County 
Treasurer  is  by  law  subjected,  shall  [406]  devolve  on  the 
Treasurer  of  the  Town.  4"\  That  a  Court,  consisting  of  three 
learned  and  respectable  persons  be  established,  which  shall  have 
exclusive  original  cognizance  of  all  offences  and  criminal  matters 
now  cognizable  by  Justices  of  the  Peace  in  the  County  of  Suffolk, 
one  of  which  Judges  shall  hold  a  court  every  day  in  the  week, 
(  Sundays  excepted  )  that  they  shall  account  for,  and  pay  over  to 
the  Town  Treasurer  quarterly,  all  monies  received  by  them  for 
fines,  fees  of  office,  licenses,  &c.  that  it  shall  be  their  duty  to  keep 
a  fair  and  true  record  of  all  their  doings,  to  audit  and  pass  upon 
all  accounts  of  Sheriffs,  Constables,  Gaolers,  Coroners,  and  Wit- 
nesses on  prosecutions  before  themselves,  which  are  now  cogniz- 
able by  the  Court  of  Sessions ;  they  shall  have  the  same  power 
over  the  gaol,  (except  in  its  erection)  and  of  its  inmates,  as  is 
now  by  law  vested  in  the  Court  of  Sessions  ;  they  shall  make,  twice 
in  every  year,  a  report  thereof  to  the  Justices  of  the  Supreme 
Judicial  Court ;  that  they  shall,  together  with  the  Judge  of  the 
Municipal  Court,  have  the  same  power  with  respect  to  licenses,  as 
the  Court  of  Sessions  now  have  ;  that  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  this 
court  to  digest  and  carry  into  execution  such  a  system  for  the  pre- 
vention of  crimes  and  detection  of  criminals,  as  may  most  effec- 
tually secure  the  lives  and  property  of  the  citizens  from  day  and 
midnight  depredations.  That  the  Justices,  composing  this  Court, 
shall  be  appointed  [40*7]  and  com.missioned  by  the  Governor 
and  Council  as  other  judicial  officers  are ;  that  they  shall,  in  lieu 
of  all  other  -fees,  receive  an  annual  and  fixed  salary,  such  as  the 
town  may  determine,  not  to  be  lessened  during  their  continuance 
in  office ;  and  have  power  to  commit  to  the  House  of  Industry, 
all  vagabonds  and  others  liable  by  law  to  be  sent  to  that  place, 
for  such  time  and  under  such  restrictions  as  the  Legislature  shall 
prescribe. — 

(signed)          Stephen  Codman  — 

Chairman. 
N".  1. 
D"^.  County  of  Suffolk,  in  account  current  from  16"^  Dec'.  1819, 

to  31^*  Dec^  1820,  with  County  Treasurer. 
Cash   paid   Warrants    from   Hon.    Court    of    Sessions    as    per 

Schedule  N°.l 8,547.11 

D°.  orders  of  the  County  Agents  for  New  Prison 

N^  2  19.335.56 
D°.  Justices,  Sheriffs,  Constables  &c  -  -  N°.  3  18/700.77 
D".  Jurors  of  several  Supreme  Judicial  Courts  "  4  3.656.39 

D°.  ditto  Boston   Courts   of   Common 

Pleas  — N°.  5.  3.531.94 


240  City  Document  No.  128. 

D''.  Jurors    of   several    Municipal    Courts    N°,     6  1077.50 
D°.  Witnesses  and  Jurors  on  Inquests  &  Coroners 

N°.  7  294.49 

D°.   "Witnesses  in  Supreme  Judicial    Court    N°.  8  504.82 

in  Municipal  Court     -     -     -     N''.  9  1137.42 

in  Justices  Quarter  Bills        -  N°.  10  168.43 
Dieting    Bills,  Firing  for   Offices    &c 

N°.  11  23590.62 

D°.    Balance  of  Interest  Account    -     -     -     N".  12  862.23 


D°. 

D° 

D°. 

D° 

D°. 

Notes 

81.407.28 


Allowance  by  the  Court  of  Sessions  to  Treasurer 

for  12  m°.  17  days 1.780.15 

83.187.43 

Balance  due  County  of  Suffolk 4.634.13 

87.821.56 

By  Balance  N^.  13      -----.-.-.  87.821.56 

Examined  by  William  Donnison    )    ^ 

-^  , , ,        n  T  >    Committee 

lidward  Jones    ) 

[408.]  N°.  2. 

Estimate  of  the  Current  Expenses  of  the  County  of  Suffolk, 
A.D.  1821. 

Sheriff  for  Dieting  Criminals  over  and  above  the  sum  allowed  by 

the  Commonwealth  for  Turnkey $3000  — 

Sheriff  for  his  Attendance  on  all  the  Courts       -     -  600 

Deputy  Sheriffs  for  ditto 500 

Constables    for  Attendance  on  all  the  Courts  and 

Juries        1000 

Constables,  their  fees  in  Criminal  Bills  of  Costs  not 

paid  by  Defendants,  but  chargeable  to  the  County  1800. 

Justices  of  the  Court  of  Sessions  for  Attendance  &c  350. 
Justices  of  the  Peace,  their  Fees,  chargeable  to  the 

County 3000. 

Grand  &  Petit  Jurors  to  all  the  Courts,  after  de- 
ducting the  money  received  for  Jury  Verdicts     -  5000 

Night  Watches  at  the  Prison 960 

Scavenger  at  the  Prison  ---- 180 

Inquests  on  Dead  Bodies 200 

Physician  to  the  Gaol 100 

Keeper  of  the  Court  House  &  Expenses  -     -     -     -  350 
Charcoal     for     Prisoners,     Candles     for     Watch, 
Fire  Tubs,  Room  Tubs,  Buckets,   Lime,   Sand, 

Brooms  &c. 300 

Straw  Beds,  &  Blankets,  and  Clothing  for  Prisoners,  300 
Stationery,     Records     Books,    Binding    Dockets, 

Printing 300 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  2-41 

Fuel  for  Court  House  in   Court   Rooms    &  County 

Offices  &  Candles  for  the  Courts,  &c.  -     -     -     -  400 

Carting  Dirt,  clearing  Vaults  &c. 100 

Witnesses    in    Criminal    Causes    before    Justices 

chargeable  to  the  County  ---..--.  300 


$18,740 

[409.]     Amount  brought  forward 18,740.00 

Allowance  to  the  County  Treasurer     -----  1700.00 

Repairs  of  County  Buildings 160. — 

Interest  growing  due  on  Loans  -. -  2400. — 

23.000.00 


The  foregoing  Reports  and  Documents  being  read,  a  lengthy 
debate  ensued  ;  —  after  which  it  was 

Voted,  That  a  Committee  consisting  of  thirteen  persons,  be 
appointed  to  take  the  whole  subject  of  the  two  Reports  now  pre- 
sented to  the  Town  into  full  consideration ;  to  consider  all  the 
facts  and  recommendations  therein  contained,  and  to  report  to 
the  town,  at  a  future  Meetiug,  a  complete  system  relating  to  the 
administration  of  the  Town  and  County  which  shall  remedy  the 
present  evils ;  and  that  they  be  authorized  to  recommend  any 
other  measures  calculated  to  create  a  more  efficient,  responsible, 
and  acceptable  system  for  Town  and  County  government.  — 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  appointed  on  the  Committee  — 
viz  — 

Hon^  John  Phillips  Hon^  William  Sullivan 

"       Charles  Jackson  "     Josiah  Quincy 

"       William  Prescott  William  Tudor  Esq. 

George  Blake  Esq  Col.    Henry  Orne 

Hon    Daniel  Webster  Isaac  Winslow,  Esq. 

"      Lemuel  Shaw  Stephen  Codman  " 

"      Joseph  Tilden 

[410.]  The  Chairman  of  the  Committee  for  erecting  a 
House  of  Industry,  read  the  following  Report  —  viz  — 

The  Committee,  appointed  by  the  Town,  on  the  seventh  of 
May  last,  and  who  were  authorized  to  select  a  place  for  the 
erection  of  a  House  of  Industry,  with  an  extent  of  land  attached 
to  it,  not  less  than  Fifty  acres,  and  to  erect  suitable  buildings 
thereon  ;  and  who,  for  those  purposes,  were  invested  with  certain 
powers  and  charged  with  certain  duties,  expressed  in  the  votes  of 
the  town,  ask  leave  to  apprise  their  fellow  citizens  of  the  progress 
already  made  in  that  concern,  and  of  their  views  in  relation  to  it, 
by  way  of  a  Report,  in  part. — 

The  Committee  have  been  induced  to  avail  themselves  of  this 
early  opportunity,  which  the  present  meeting  of  the  town  offers, 


242  City  Document  No.  128. 

to  communicate  the  state  of  the  undertaking,  partly  from  a 
general  sense  of  the  duty,  incumbent  upon  all  Committees, 
charged  with  similar  duties,  and  partly  from  the  particular  nature 
and  relations  of  that,  to  which,  without  any  agency  of  their  own, 
they  have  been  called  by  their  fellow  citizens. — The  Committee 
are  deeply  itiipressed  with  the  salutary  nature  of  that  principle, 
which  requires  an  early  and  frequent  accountability  from  all 
public  agents;  particularly  from  those,  entrusted  [411]  with 
the  expenditures  of  public  monies,  and  are  therefore  anxious 
now,  and  will  be,  bei'eafter,  to  keep  their  fellow  citizens  apprised, 
as  early  as  possible,  of  every  step  they  have  taken,  or  shall  take, 
relative  to  this  concern,  with  the  reasons  on  which  it  has  been 
founded  ;  and  this,  not  only  for  the  purpose  of  satisfying  the  wise 
curiosity  of  the  thoughtful  and  intelligent,  but  also,  for  that  of 
being  enabled,  seasonably,  to  receive  from  the  Town,  or  from 
individuals,  any  hints,  instructions,  or  corrections,  of  which  their 
course  of  proceedings  may,  from  time  to  time,  be  susceptible. 
These  general  sentiments  have  been,  in  this  case,  strengthened 
and  quickened  by  the  peculiar  character  of  the  service,  to 
which  they  have  been  appointed ;  and  from  reflections,  growing 
out  of  that  character,  resulting  from  a  farther  acquaintance  with 
the  whole  subject,  consequent  upon  their  experience,  and  which, 
as  tliey  have  had  an  influence  upon  some  of  their  proceedings, 
they  apprehend,  ought  early  to  be  communicated  to  their  fellow 
citizens. 

In  order  to  possess  the  Town  of  all  the  reasons,  which,  thus 
far  have  been  the  basis  of  their  proceedings,  your  committee  ask 
leave  to  review  the  origin  and  progress  of  this  design,  until  its 
execution  was  committed  to  their  agency,  in  as  much  from  them, 
your  Conunittee  have  drawn  their  rules  of  conduct.  [412]  A 
course  of  this  kind  also  will  have  a  tendency  to  recall  the  recol- 
lection of  facts  and  to  revive  impressions,  which  are,  not  only 
important,  in  themselves,  but  which  are  essential  to  be  remem- 
bered and  realized,  in  order  to  the  perpetuating  that  general 
satisfaction,  and  unanimity,  with  which  this  design  originated ; 
and  which  is  so  essential  to  the  success  of  every  public  insti- 
tution, connected  with  the  sympathy  and  interests  of  a  great 
community. 

The  design  of  a  House  of  Industry  originated  in  the  petition  of 
many  most  respectable  and  humane  citizens,  for  the  establish- 
ment of  a  workhouse  —  in  other  words,  a  place  for  the  confine- 
ment and  employment  of  the  idle  and  vicious  poor.  The  com- 
mittee, to  whom  those  petitions  were  referred,  made  a  report  to 
the  Town,  containing  facts,  statements  and  reasonings  on  the 
subject,  and  concluding  with  certain  resolutions,  wliich  were  sub- 
sequently adopted  by  the  Town  and  were  the  authority,  on  which 
their  present  committee  were  appointed,  and  under  which  they 
have  acted.  — ■ 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  243 

The  leading  principle  of  that  report  was,  —  the  duty  incumbent 
upo7i  society  of  discriminating  in  its  charitable  provisions  and 
arrange7ne?its,  between  the  poor,  by  reason  of  [413]  infancy, 
age  or  misfortune,  and  the  poor  by  reasori  of  idleness,  or  vice. 
All  the  reasonings  that  report  and  the  propositions,  contained  in 
it,  turned  upon  that  principle.  And  although  that  committee,  in 
selecting  a  name  for  the  new  establishment,  adopted  that  of  a 
House  of  Industry,  which  is  a  term  of  broader  import  and  is 
applied  to  poor  of  other  descriptions,  yet,  apprehending  that,  in 
selecting  this  denomination,  reference  was  had  to  the  moral 
effect,  which  the  name  an  institution  bears,  has,  or  is  supposed 
to  have,  on  its  inmates,  and  not  with  any  intention  of  making 
more  comprehensive  than  the  main  drift  of  their  argument,  the 
proposed  institution,  your  present  committee  have,  in  all  their 
proceedings  kept  in  view  singly  the  provision  for  the  idle  and 
vicious  poor ;  without  any  scope,  or  reference  to  those  of  a  vir- 
tuous character,  or  description. 

With  this  explanation  of  their  views  and  of  the  regulating- 
principle  of  their  conduct,  your  committee  apprehend  that  there 
are  four  points,  on  which  it  will  be  satisfactory  to  their  fellow 
citizens  to  receive,  and  on  which,  in  the  present  stage  of  their 
proceedings,  it  may  be  in  their  power  to  give  information. 

1.  The  location  of  the  institution,  and  the  reasons,  which 
governed  the  committee  in  selecting  it.  — 

[414.]  2.  The  size,  quality  and  particular  position  of 
the  building,  with  reference  to  the  tract  of  land,  on  which  it  is 
situated,  and  the  reasons  on  which  each  were  adopted. 

3.  The  monies  already  expended,  in  purchase  of  the  land, 
and  in  advancing,  thus  far,  the  building. 

4.  The  adequacy  of  the  present  appropriation  to  the  object ; — 
the  present  advancement  and  the  probable  cost  of  the  establish- 
ment ;  and  the  economies  and  advantages  to  be  anticipated  from 
it. — 

On  each  of  these  points  your  committee  ask  leave  to  make  such 
statements  as  facts  authorize ;  or  as  their  experience  and  reflec- 
tions have  suggested. 

1.  In  relation  to  the  selection  of  a  place  for  locating  the 
establishment,  your  Committee  were  authorized  to  take  any 
unappropriated  land  of  the  Town,  or  to  purchase  any  other  spot, 
within  the  town,  which  they  should  deem  a  better  location  :  —  In 
both  cases,  they  were  limited  to  take  or  buy,  not  less  than  Fifty 
acres. 


24J:  City  Document  No.  128. 

As  there  were  no  unappropriated  lands  of  the  Town,  of  that 
extent,  except  those  on  the  Neck,  your  committee  proceeded  to 
make  a  [415]  personal  examination  of  these  lands.  They 
found  that  these  lands  were,  with  the  exception  of  about 
three  acres,  wholly  salt-water  flats,  to  bring  which  into  any 
advantageous  cultivation,  would  require  great  previous  expendi- 
tures, in  ditches  iand  embankments.  Other  objections  to  the 
situation  unnecessary  to  detail,  occurred,  which  would  have 
been,  of  themselves,  conclusive  against  the  location.  The  excel- 
lence and  unexampled  adaptation  of  the  situation  which  they 
were  fortunate  enough  to  obtain,  put,  however,  all  other  consider- 
ations out  of  the  question;  combining  as  it  did,  not  only  every 
anticipated  convenience,  but  the  most  unquestionable  economy. 
It  was  impossible  for  the  committee  to  hesitate  concerning  their 
duty,  in  fulfilling  this  part  of  their  trust; — there  being,  on  the 
question  of  the  superiority,  in  both  respects,  of  the  location 
chosen,  to  any  the  town  lands  on  the  Neck  afforded,  a  perfect 
unanimity  of  opinion,  in  the  committee. 

The  spot  selected  was  a  tract  of  land  at  South  Boston,  con- 
taining Fifty-three  acres,  owned  by  Samuel  Brown,  Esq.  lying 
nearly  in  the  form  of  a  parallelogram,  and  extending  from  the 
road,  leading  to  Dorchester  point  to  the  harbour.  The  centre 
of  the  tract  was  a  small  rising  ground,  sloping  gradually  for  an 
almost  equal  distance,  southerly  to  the  road,  and  northerly  to  the 
harbour.  The  land  was  [416]  excellent  comprehending  as 
much  variety  of  soil,  as  could  be  expected,  within  such  limits, 
and  is  for  all  the  objects  of  the  contemplated  institution  one  of 
the  most  eligible  spots,  possible.  The  whole  within  one  and  a 
half  miles,  water,  and  two  and  a  half,  land,  communication,  of 
the  centre  of  the  town  —  The  price  at  which  it  was  purchased  was 
Six  Thousand  dollars ;  a  rate,  little  more  than  one  hundred  and 
sixteen  dollars  an  acre ;  and  a  price,  which,  considering  the 
quality  of  the  lands,  their  proximity  to  the  centre  of  the  town, 
and  the  extraordinary  beauty  of  the  prospect  of  the  surrounding 
country,  they  commanded,  was  far  less  than  their  real  value ; 
and  which  the  committee  are  authorized  to  say  that  the  Town 
may,  at  any  moment,  receive  for  them,  after  deducting,  should 
such  a  measure  be  deemed  expedient,  any  small  quantity  for  the 
accommodation  of  the  building,  now  erecting. 

The  only  real  objection  to  the  location,  arising  from  the  toll  paid 
at  South  Boston  Bridge,  was  obviated  by  an  application  to  the 
Proprietors  of  that  Institution,  who  readily  passed  a  vote  exempt- 
ing forever  all  persons,  horses  and  Vehicles,  from  toll  passing  to 
or  from,  the  House  of  Industry,  on  business  of  the  establishment. 

In  executing  this  part  of  their  trust  and  in  purchasing  another 
tract  of  land,  [417]  instead  of  taking  the  lands  on  the  Neck, 
your  committee,  in  addition  to  the  reasons,  above  assigned,  were 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  245 

influenced,  also,  by  a  conviction  of  the  superior  value  of  these 
last  mentioned  lands,  as  a  productive  fund  to  the  town.  This 
anticipation  of  theirs,  they  are  happy  to  state,  events  have 
justified ;  as  they  are  authorized  by  the  chairman  of  the  board  of 
Selectmen  to  state  that  Fifty-eight  Thousand  feet  of  those  lands 
on  the  Neck,  which  your  committee  were  thus  authorized  to  take, 
have  since  sold  by  that  board,  at  a  rate,  at  which,  if  only  three 
acres  are  sold,  the  proceeds  of  those  three  acres  will  exceed  by 
more  than  a  thousand  dollars,  the  whole  purchase  money  paid  by 
your  committee  for  their  Fifty  three  acres.  And  that  the  Town 
may  be  assured,  that  there  is  nothing  deceptive,  in  this  statement, 
your  committee  are  also  authorized  to  state,  that  the  committee 
of  the  lands  on  the  Neck,  have  been  offered  and  have  refused, 
considering  it  less  than  their  value  for  the  residue  of  the  three 
acres,  a  sum,  which  will  more  than  exceed  the  whole  of  the  said 
purchase  money. 

Your  Committee  apprehend  that  they  need  not  add  any  thing 
to  these  facts  to  establish  the  propriety  of  their  proceedings,  in 
relation  to  this  part  of  their  commission. 

2.  In  relation  to  the  size,  quality  and  position  of  the  building, 
on  the  tract  of  land  [418]  purchased,  your  committee  took  for 
their  guide  the  considerations  suggested  in  the  report  of  the 
former  committee  above  alluded  to,  viz.  "  the  permanent  interest 
of  the  town  and  the  ultimate  success  of  the  institution" — "the 
accommodation  of  at  least  two  hundred  persons," — "that  the 
place  adopted  should  be  such  as  to  be  capable  of  being  extended 
should  it  hereafter  be  deemed  expedient," — "  that  the  buildings 
should  be  so  constructed  as  to  provide  for  the  separation  and 
distinct  accommodation  of  the  different  classes  and  sexes  of 
those,  for  whom  it  was  destined. 

For  this  purpose  they  deemed  a  building,  not  less  than  Two 
hundred  and  twenty  feet  long,  and  Forty  three  feet  wide,  and 
Twenty  nine  feet  high,  as  small  as  any  fair  construction  of  the 
views  of  the  Town,  indicated,  by  their  vote,  could  justify.  The 
building  they  have  therefore  commenced  on  those  dimensions. 

The  material  they  selected  in  stone,  which  being  laid  rough 
and  only  dimension,  was  found  cheaper  than  brick,  and  pref- 
erable both  on  account  of  durability  and  dryness.  It  was, 
originally,  contemplated  to  erect  only  the  centre  of  the  building 
and  one  of  the  wings,  leaving  the  remaining  wing  to  be  erected 
subsequently;  and  also  [419]  that  the  length  of  the  building 
should  be  only  ttoo  hundred  feet,  and  the  estimates  of  the  former 
committee  were  made,  on  that  basis. —  But  upon  consultations 
with  architects,  it  was  found  wholly  impracticable,  to  erect  two 
thirds  of  that  building  now,  and  one  third  of  it,  afterwards, 
without  endangering  its  strength  and  symmetry,  in  consequence 
of   the  inevitable  difference  in  the  settling  of   different   parts, 


246  City  Document  No.  128. 

erected  at  different  times.  A  building  of  the  entire  dimensions 
was  not,  in  the  opinion  of  the  committee,  larger  than  the  objects, 
proposed  in  its  erection,  would  require.  And  if  circumstances 
rendered  it  inexpedient  to  finish  this  wing  at  once,  its  space 
could  not  fail  to  be  greatly  commodious,  either  as  a  store  or 
working  room.  The  present  expense  of  carrying  up  and  covering 
the  external  walls  bore  in  the  opinion  of  your  committee  no  com- 
parison with  the  advantages  arising  from  erecting  the  whole 
building  at  once.  So  also,  on  the  revisal  of  the  whole  plan,  your 
committee  found  that  by  adding  Twenty  feet  to  its  length,  an 
increase  of  accommodation,  far  exceeding  the  additional  expense, 
would  be  obtained.  They,  therefore,  did  not  hesitate  to  adopt 
both  these  alterations,  as  unquestionable  and  important  improve- 
ments, in  the  original  plan,  notwithstanding  they  would  occasion 
a  considerable  augmentation  of  the  expense,  beyond  the  [420] 
estimate  of  the  former  committee. — 

In  locating  the  building  on  the  land,  they  placed  it  at  the 
extreme  North  Easterly  corner,  from  four  principal  considera- 
tions —  1®'.  there  was  here  a  site,  very  suitable  for  the  building 
and  surrounded  by  land,  excellently  adapted  for  a  garden.  2**. 
It  adjoined  the  harbour  and  made  the  water  communication  easy 
and  expeditious.  3"^.  It  was  removed  from  the  high  road,  and 
thus  the  tenants  would  be  less  exposed  to  the  inspection  of 
travellers  and  kept  in  greater  retirement  and  safety.  4^^'.  It  left 
the  town  free  to  decide,  as  it  might  see  fit,  hereafter  upon  expe- 
rience, in  relation  to  the  residue  of  the  land  ;  so  that,  if  it  chose 
at  any  time,  to  abandon  the  cultivation  of  the  land  or  to  apply  it 
to  other  uses,  or  to  dispose  of  it,  the  building,  in  its  present  loca- 
tion, would  interfere  with  no  such  arrangement. 

3.  In  relation  to  the  monies  already  expended  it  appears,  by 
the  report  of  the  Treasurer  of  the  committee,  that  there  has  been 

paid  for  Fifty  three  acres  of  land -  $6000 

For  materials  and  labour -  9700 

Making  a  gross  aggregate  of   expenditures   to   the 

present  time -  15.700 

And  leaving  an  unexpended  balance  in  the  hands  of 

the  Committee  of  the  former  appropriation  of     -  4.300 


$20,000 


[431.]  4.  In  relation  to  the  adequacy  of  the  present  appro- 
priation for  the  object,  the  present  advanceiBent  and  the  probable 
cost  of  the  establishment  and  the  economies  and  advantages  to 
be  anticipated  from  it,  your  committee  have  great  satisfaction  in 
stating  that  experience  has  shown  that  the  estimates  of  the 
former  committee  were  correct,  for  a  building  of  the  dimensions, 


Boston  Town  Recokds,  1821.  247 

by  them  contemplated.  Had  not  the  experience  and  the  more 
minute  examination  of  all  the  circumstances,  connected  with  the 
subject,  resulting  from  the  duty  and  responsibility  of  erecting 
the  building,  led  your  present  committee  to  enlarge  that  plan  and 
erect-at  once  all  the  external  walls,  for  the  reasons  above  detailed, 
the  appropriation  suggested  by  the  former  committee  would  have 
been  sufficient,  for  the  present  year,  as  stated  by  that  committee. 
Nor  if,  as  authorized,  by  the  vote  of  the  Town,  your  present  com- 
mittee had  taken  the  land  on  the  Neck,  would  any  additional 
appropriation  have  been  necessary,  the  present  year.  It  does 
not  appear,  in  making  those  estimates,  that  the  purchase  of  so 
valuable  and  in  all  respects  so  eligible  a  tract  of  land,  as  that  at 
South  Boston,  was  contemplated.  Your  Committee,  however, 
did  not  deem  it  their  duty  to  be  deterred,  by  the  estimates  or  cal- 
culations of  that  committee,  from  effecting  an  operation,  so  highly 
advantageous  to  the  Town  as  that  at  South  Boston,  [433]  in 
the  purchase,  which  has  been  already  stated  to  the  Town;  — all 
the  Town  lands  on  the  Neck,  being  then  left  unincumbered,  and 
by  the  sale  of  three  acres  of  which  more  than  the  whole  purchase 
money,  paid  for  the  fifty  three  acres  will  be  reimbursed  to  the 
Town.  Considering  that  the  lands  thus  purchased,  at  South 
Boston,  may  now,  and  at  all  times,  be  sold  for  more  money,  than 
that  given  for  them,  after  reserving  any  small  quantity  of  land 
for  the  use  of  the  establishment,  your  committee  do  not  deem 
that  the  House  of  Industry  is  at  present  chargeable,  under  all  the 
circumstances,  with  more  than  the  balance  of  the  appropriation, 
after  deducting  the  purchase  money  :  viz.  with  the  sum  of  Four- 
teen Thousand  Dollars. 

One  or  two  other  circumstances,  also  connected  with  the  loca- 
tion, or  with  the  arrangements  of  the  present  committee,  have 
occasioned,  unavoidably,  expenses,  unanticipated  in  the  former 
estimates. 

The  exposure  of  the  situation  to  depredation  upon  the  mate- 
rials, collected  for  building,  rendered  the  estabhshment  of  a 
superintendent  on  the  premises,  important,  and  a  small  house, 
which  will  be  useful,  at  all  times  to  the  Institution,  has  been 
erected  [423]  for  his  residence  on  the  land,  at  an  expense  of 
six  hundred  dollars. 

It  was  also  necessary  to  enable  the  establishment  to  derive  all 
the  advantages,  resulting  from  the  water  communication,  that  a 
wharf  should  be  erected.  This,  in  conformity  with  the  principal 
that  whatever  'is  done  for  a  Town  should  be  executed  in  a  form, 
calculated  to  be  beneficial  to  posterity,  as  well  as  to  the  present 
times,  has  been  finished,  with  permanent  materials  and  in  a  most 
substantial  manner.  The  cost  of  this,  not  included  in  the  esti- 
mate, was  Fourteen  hundred  dollars. 


248  City  Document  No.  128. 

The  erection  of  the  additional  wing  and  the  extension  of  the 
building,  beyond  the  plan  originally  contemplated,  in  the  esti- 
mates, will  increase  the  expense  between  Jive  and  six  thousand 
dollars.  Notwithstanding  these  different  items  of  unanticipated 
expense,  (for  all  of  which  the  Town  will  receive  a  complete 
remuneration  in  the  strength,  durability  and  greater  accommoda- 
tion of  the  building)  your  committee  have  the  satisfaction  to  state 
that  an  additional  appropriation,  equal  to  that  paid  for  the  land, 
viz.  Six  thousand  dollars^  will  be  amply  sufficient  to  meet  all  the 
expenditures  the  present  year.  They  are  induced  to  name  this 
sum,  because  such  a  grant,  they  are  informed,  may  be  made  with- 
out [4S4]  any  change  in  the  fiscal  arrangements  of  the  Town, 
there  now  existing  an  unexpended  balance  of  an  appropriation, 
for  a  vegetable  market,  which  will  not  be  wanted  the  present 
year,  of  that  amount. 

With  respect  to  the  present  advancement  and  probable  cost  of 
the  establishment,  your  committee  have  to  state  that,  notwith- 
standing the  late  period  of  the  season,  at  which  the  determination 
of  the  Town  was  made  and  the  delay  which  necessarily  occurred, 
in  fixing  upon  the  location,  purchasing  the  land,  and  making  the 
contracts,  and  also  some  difficulties,  which  have  happened  in  the 
performance  of  those  contracts,  the  building  has  advanced  with 
great  repidity ;  and  the  work  has  been  executed  with  fidelity, 
and,  as  far  as  your  committee  can  judge,  will  be,  in  every  respect 
such,  as  will  be  honorable  to  the  Town,  and  suitable  for  the  pur- 
pose of  the  establishment.  It  is  now  advancing  to  the  third 
story,  and  will  be  covered  in  and  completed  in  the  course  of  the 
ensuing  autumn  and  winter.  — 

In  relation  to  the  probable  cost  of  the  institution,  your  com- 
mittee will  be  in  a  condition  to  speak,  as  they  apprehend  precisely 
and  definitely,  in  their  report  to  the  Town  in  May  next.  In  a 
new  undertaking  of  this  [435]  extensive  character,  circumstances 
will  continually  occur,  tending  to  increase  the  expenditure 
beyond  the  estimate ;  arising  not  only  from  the  usual  deficiency 
of  calculations,  on  these  topics,  but  also  from  new  views  of 
accommodation,  or  of  adaptation  of  arrangements  for  permanent 
economy  or  convenience,  suggested  by  the  progress  of  the  build- 
ing, of  which  it  will  be  the  duty  of  every  committee,  charged 
with  its  erection,  to  take  advantage.  Your  committee  have  not, 
however,  in  this  case,  from  any  thing  their  experience  has 
suggested,  any  reason  to  apprehend  that  the  expenditure  will,  in 
any  material  degree,  exceed  the  estimates,  as  modified  by  this 
report,  except  incase  of  new  views  of  accommodation,  or  interest, 
occurring  in  the  progress  of  the  concern,  such  as  have  been 
already  stated,  and  for  which  the  town  will  be  remunerated  in 
the  improved  state  of  the  establishment.  But  these,  according  to 
the  present  views  of  your  committee  cannot  be  very  great  in 
number  or  important  in  amount ;  and  of  little,  or  no  consequence, 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  249 

when  taken  in  connection  with  all  the  great  and  wise  purposes, 
which  the  Town  has  aimed  to  effect,  in  commencing  this  institu- 
tion. 

In  the  expenditure  of  the  money  entrusted  to  them,  your  com- 
mittee have  applied  every  principle  of  wise  economy,  the  nature 
[426]  of  the  undertaking  justified.  For  this  purpose,  at  one  of 
their  first  meetings,  they  passed  a  vote,  by  which  every  member 
of  the  committee  was  precluded  from  having,  directly,  or 
Indirectly,  any  concern  or  profit,  in  any  contract,  made  under 
their  authority ;  intending  thereby,  to  give  to  the  Town  a  pledge, 
that  no  consideration,  but  those  of  the  public  service  should 
influence  any  of  their  arrangements,  or  expenditures.  The  great 
principle,  which  has  regulated  all  their  proceedings  in  this  respect, 
has  been  strength,  durability  and  a  permanent  accommodation ; 
with  out  special  regard  to  the  gratification  of  taste,  or  to  archi- 
tectural effect. 

In  relation  to  the  economies  and  advantages  to  be  anticipated 
from  this  establishment,  your  committee  cannot  close  this  report, 
without  recurring  to  them,  and  recalling  to  the  minds  of  their 
fellow  citizens  the  nature  and  object  of  the  institution.  —  Every 
consideration,  which  has  occurred,  in  the  progress  of  the  work, 
has  convinced  your  committee  of  its  importance,  its  necessity 
and  of  its  being  indispensable  to  any  hope,  or  to  the  success  of 
any  plan,  for  the  improving  the  morals,  or  to  ameliorating  the 
condition  of  the  poor.  Under  this  conviction,  they  have  not  con- 
sidered it  in  the  light  of  making  a  saving,  in  the  [427]  whole 
expenditures  of  the  Town  ;  although  they  have  no  doubt,  that  it 
will  ultimately  produce  this  effect.  Their  view  of  the  subject  is 
of  a  broader  cast,  and  of  a  more  elevated  character.  They  have 
deemed  that  an  institution,  such  as  the  one  proposed,  destined  to 
receive,  restrain,  and  to  employ,  that  unhappy  portion  of  the 
community,  who  are  degraded  to  the  ranks  of  beggary,  by  vice, 
or  idleness,  is,  in  every  society,  a  moral  duty  ;  and  in  a  republi- 
can form  of  government,  is  connected  intimately  with  the  very 
principle,  on  which  its  preservation  depends.  In  such  a  form  of 
government,  the  great  object  of  attention  is  the  character  and 
condition  of  the  mass  of  the  community.  Whatever  tends  to 
contaminate,  to  corrupt,  or  to  demoralize  the  mass,  has  a  direct 
effect,  not  only  on  the  happiness  and  prosperity  of  a  state,  but 
also  on  its  safety ;  on  the  security  of  property,  of  life,  and  of 
liberty ;  all  of  which  are,  in  a  republic,  directly  dependent  upon 
the  moral  character  and  condition  of  the  people. 

The  wise  policy  of  our  ancestors,  from  the  earliest  records  of 
their  history,  made  the  establishment  of  work-houses  indispen- 
sable. Owing  to  the  smallness  of  their  early  population,  and  the 
consequent  scantiness  of  poverty  and  crime,  those  institutions 


250  City  Document  No.  128. 

were  put  under  the  control  of  overseers  of  the  poor.  From 
which  association,  two,  unhappy  consequences,  naturally,  and 
inevitably  resulted. 

[438.]  P^irst,  Almshouses  became  connected  with  the  ideas 
of  punishment  and  disgrace,  not  only  in  the  eyes  of  the  tenants, 
but  also  in  those  of  the  community.  Hence  arose  a  great 
reluctance,  in  the  worthy  and  respectable  poor,  at  becoming- 
inmates  ;  and  also  a  like  reluctance,  in  overseers,  to  oblige  such 
persons  to  become  residents.  From  both  causes  the  number  of 
out-of-door  pensioners  has  been  increased ;  and  of  all  modes  of 
providing  for  the  poor,  this  has  been,  every  where,  found,  the 
most  wasteful,  and  expensive ;  and  the  most  encouraging  of 
applications,  to  become  pensioners,  on  the  public  bounty. 

A  second  effect  of  this  association  was  that  as  society  increased, 
Almshouses  became  thronged  with  tenants,  from  idleness  or  vice; 
who  from  the  character  of  the  institution,  as  charitable,  claimed, 
and  for  the  most  part,  obtained  indulgence,  as  objects  of  pity, 
when  their  deserts  were  restraint  and  coercive  employment,  as 
being,  in  reality,  objects  of  correction,  and  often  of  punishment. 

In  a  society  increased  and  rapidly  increasing,  like  that  of  the 
capital  of  Massachusetts,  your  committee  can  have  no  question 
that  an  institution,  like  that  now  in  progress,  is,  not  only  wise, 
but  indispensable,  and  that  its  utihty  ought  not,  and  cannot  be 
tested  by  [439]  any  narrow  scale  of  pecuniary  expense  and 
saving.  Your  committee  have  not,  therefore,  deemed  themselves, 
as  proceeding  in  this  building  and  institution,  as  though  it  were 
an  experiment,  which,  if  it  failed,  might  be  abandoned,  but  on 
the  contrary,  with  a  conviction  that  it  was  an  institution  per- 
manent and  perpetual  in  its  nature,  of  which  the  Town  ought 
never  to  be  destitute;  and -in  which,  of  consequence,  they  ought 
to  have  reference,  in  all  their  plans  and  arrangements  to  this,  its 
real  destination  and  character. 

Whether  the  inmates  of  such  an  institution  can  best  and  most 
profitably  be  employed,  on  the  land  or  in  manufactures,  is  a 
question,  in  the  opinion  of  some  members  of  the  community, 
problematical.  And,  although,  your  committee,  from  reflection 
and  reasoning  upon  the  subject,  as  well  as  from  the  success  of 
other,  similar  institutions,  in  Massachusetts,  are  satisfied  that 
employing  them,  in  cultivating  the  earth,  is  the  most  healthy,  the 
most  conducive  to  moral  habits,  and  the  most  economical,  yet 
they  have  so  arranged  the  plan  and  location  of  the  estabhshment, 
as  to  be  adapted  to  both,  or  to  either,  of  these  employments,  as  the 
experience  of  future  times  and  the  wisdom  of  the  Town  may  decide. 

All  which  is  respectfully  submitted. 
Josiah  Quincy 
James  Savage 
Henry  J.  Oliver 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1821.  251 

[430«]   Francis  Welsh  Thomas  Howe 

William  Thurston  Abram  Babcock 

Samuel  A.  Wells  Benjamin  Rich 

David  W.  Child  John  Bellows 

John  French  George  Darracott 

Boston  22^  October  1821  — 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  town  be  given  to  the  chair- 
man and  members  of  the  Committee  for  erecting  a  House  of 
Industry,  for  the  intelligent  and  able  manner,  in  which  tbey  have 
conducted  the  business  entrusted  to  them,  and  that  they  be 
requested  to  proceed  in  the  undertaking. 

Voted,  That  the  Report  be  printed  and  distributed  among  the 
citizens. 


Voted,  That  the  sum  of  Six  Thousand  Dollars,  voted  and 
assessed  upon  the  Inhabitants,  for  the  purpose  of  erecting 
a  new  Vegetable  Market,  be,  and  the  same  hereby  is,  transferred 
and  appropriated  to  the  erection  of  the  House  of  Industry,  and 
the  said  amount  of  six  thousand  dollars,  in  addition  to  that  pre- 
viously voted,  be  placed  at  the  disposal  of  the  Committee 
appointed  by  the  town  for  building  the  House  of  Industry.  — 

The  Meeting  was  then  adjourned  to  Monday,  the  10"^  day  of 
December  next  at  ten  o'clock,  A.M. — 

[431.]  Monday  December  10*'^  1821. 

Met  according  to  Adjournment. 

The  Moderator  stated  to  the  inhabitants,  that  since  the 
Adjournment,  the  Selectmen  had  issued  a  Warrant  for  calling  a 
Town  Meeting,  at  the  request  of  a  number  of  citizens,  to  be 
holden  at  this  time  ;  The  Warrant  being  read  :  —  The  article  ' '  To 
consider  the  expediency  of  augmenting  the  Town  Watch  during 
the  winter  season"  —  was  taken  up,  and  after  some  debate,  it 
was  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  authorized  to  double  the 
Watch,  until  the  first  day  of  April  next. — 

On  the  Application  of  the  Directors  of  the  Mill  Pond  Corpora- 
tion, the  — 

Hon.  Artemas  Ward  Enoch  Silsby,  and 

"      Jonathan  Hunnewell  Joseph  Lovering  Esquires, 

"      Peter  C.  Brooks 
were  appointed  a  Committee   to  treat  with  the  Proprietors  of  the 


252  City  Document  No.  128. 

Mill  Pond,  respecting  the  interest  of  the  Town  therein  ;  —  and  to 
report  at  the  adjournment  of  this  meeting.  — 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be,  and  they  hereby  are,  constituted 
a  Committee  with  the  authority  to  fix  the  boundary  lines  between 
the  [43 !3]  several  towns  of  (Roxbury,)  Brookline,  Cambridge  & 
(Dorchester)  respectively  and  th.e  Town  of  Boston.  — 

And  whereas,  in  consequence  of  the  building  of  the  Great 
Western  Avenue  some  new  relations  have  come  into  view  con- 
cerning this  town's  boundaries  ;  and  it  may  become  necessary  to 
refer  any  matter  on  which  there  may  be  a  difference  of  opinion, 
between  those  persons  who  are  as  above  authorized  to  represent 
and  act  for  the  Town  of  Boston,  and  those  persons  who  are  or 
ma}^  be  appointed  to  represent  and  act  for  the  above  mentioned 
towns  or  either  of  them.  — ■ 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be,  and  hereby  are  authorized  and 
empowered,  to  appoint  Referees  on  the  part  of  this  town  to  settle 
any  matter  which  may  in  their  opinion  require  to  be  settled  by 
Referees,  in  relation  to  the  boundary  lines  between  this  town  and 
the  Towns  of  Dorchester,  Roxbury,  Brookline  and  Cambridge 
respectively.  — 

'I'he  following  Report  was   made  by  the    School  Committee  — 


To  the  Iphabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  in  Town  Meeting 
assembled  ;  the  General  School  Committee  ask  leave  respectfully 
to  Report :  — 

[433.]  That  in  pursuance  of  a  vote  of  the  town  passed  on 
the  2"*  day  of  July  last,  authorizing  and  empowering  your  Com- 
mittee, to  commence  and  establish  a  public  school,  upon  the 
system  of  mutual  instruction,  they  lost  no  time  in  taking  meas- 
ures to  carry  the  proposed  object  into  effect.  — 

As  this  measure  originated  principally  in  the  statements  and 
representations  of  the  Committee  charged  with  the  care  of  the 
primary  schools,  and  in  the  first  instance  at  least,  would  probably 
embrace  children  under  their  particular  superintendence,  your 
Committee  are  solicitous  to  act  in  co-operation  with  that  Com- 
mittee, and  for  that  purpose  opened  a  communication  and  have 
acted  in  concurrence  with  them.  Your  Committee  took  measures 
to  obtain  the  services  of  a  Gentleman  well  versed  in  the  system 
particularly  intended  to  be  introduced ;  but  after  writing  to  sev- 
eral of  the  cities  of  the  United  States,  could  not  learn  of  any 
instructor  of  sufficient  experience,  who  was  disengaged.  —  Your 
Committee  having  been  informed  by  one  of  their  correspondents 
that  a  gentleman,  M"".  Dale,  who  is  principal  teacher  of  the  Lan- 
castrian schools  in  Alban}^  would  undertake  to  organize  and 
establish  a  School,  and  take  charge  of  it,  until  a  successor  could 


Boston  Town  Records,  1821.  253 

be  engaged.  —  This  gentleman  was  so  well  recommended  for  his 
capacity  and  experience,  and  particularly  for  his  thorough  knowl- 
edge of  the  peculiar  [434:]  system  of  instruction  contemplated  to 
be  introduced,  that  your  Committee  could  not  hesitate  about 
engaging  him.  Accordingly  about  the  first  of  September,  a  place 
was  fitted  up  for  the  school  in  the  basement  room  of  the  Boylston 
School  at  Fort  Hill.  —  This  room  was  not  so  large  as  would  have 
been  desirable ;  but  as  it  was  an  unoccupied  public  room  con- 
veniently situated,  it  was  thought  that  it  would  be  sufficiently 
capacious  for  a  beginning.  As  soon  as  the  room  was  prepared, 
the  School  was  almost  immediately  filled,  and  the  business  of 
instruction  commenced.  M"^.  Dale  continued  in  the  care  and 
instruction  of  the  School  about  five  or  six  weeks,  and  left  it  in 
the  care  of  a  gentleman  who  appears  to  be  well  qualified  to  con- 
duct it.  — 

The  School  has  been  in  operation  about  two  months. — Your 
Committee  at  present,  hardly  feel  prepared  to  pronounce  a  defini- 
tive opinion  of  its  merits  ;  they  can  only  say  that  they  feel 
highly  gratified  with  its  prospects  of  success,  and  entertain  a  san- 
guine hope,  that  many  of  the  plans  and  methods  adopted  in  this 
school,  may  be  extended  with  great  benefit,  to  the  numerous  pri- 
mary schools  of  the  Town,  and  to  all  the  public  schools  where 
young  children  are  taught  the  rudiments  of  learning.  They  have 
no  hesitation  in  saying  that  as  yet,  it  well  deserves  care  and 
encouragement  of  the  [435]  town.  The  expense  of  fitting  up 
the  school,  of  providing  the  necessary  arrangements  and  mate- 
rials, of  procuring  the  temporary  attendance  of  an  instructor 
eminent  in  his  profession,  have  been  necessarily  considerable, 
and  have  exhausted  the  appropriation  of  the  sum  of  one  thousand 
dollars,  heretofore  made  for  this  object.  But  most  of  the 
expenses  it  is  obvious,  are  merely  temporary;  and  yonr  Commit- 
tee are  of  opinion  that  this  School  once  established,  will  be  a 
cheap  and  economical  one.  Under  a  full  belief  that  it  will  be  for 
the  interest  of  the  town,  and  tend  to  advance  and  perfect  the  Sys- 
tem of  education  adopted  by  the  town  that  this  school,  for  the 
present  at  least  should  be  continued,  your  Committee  recommend 
the  adoption  of  the  subjoined  vote :  all  of  which  is  respectfully 
submitted.  — 

By  order  of  the  School  Committee  — 

Eliphalet  Williams,  Chairman. 

The  foregoing  Report,  was  read  and  accepted,  —  and  — 

Voted,  That  the  Public  School,  upon  the  principle  of  mutual 
instruction,  commenced  in  pursuance  of  a  vote  of  the  Town 
passed  the  second  day  of  July  last,  be  placed  under  the  care  and 
superintendence  of  the  School  Committee  to  be  continued,  if  they 
deem  it  expedient ;  that  they  be  authorised  to  appoint  a  Master 


25-i  City  Document  No.  128. 

therefor,  and  fix  his  compensation,  and  that  the  said  school  be 
put  generally  upon  the  same  footing  with  the  other  public  schools 
of  the  Town.  — 

[436.]  The  Committee  appointed  on  the  22^^  day  of  October 
last  "  To  take  the  whole  subject  of  the  two  reports  presented  to 
the  Town  into  full  consideration ;  to  consider  all  the  facts  and 
recommendations  therein  contained,  and  to  report. to  the  Town  at 
a  future  meeting,  a  complete  system  relating  to  the  administra- 
tion of  Town  and  County,"  made  a  Report  which  was  read.  —  A 
lengthy  debate  ensued  ;  —  after  which,  on  motion,  it  was  —  Voted, 
That  the  Report  of  the  Committee,  appointed  by  the  Town  on  the 
22'^.  of  October  last,  "  to  take  into  consideration  and  report  to 
the  town  a  complete  System  relating  to  the  administration,  of  the 
Town  &  County,"  be  re-committed  to  the  same  Committee,  with 
[the]  addition  of  one  person  to  be  chosen  from  each  Ward, 
with  instructions  to  report  a  system  of  Municipal  Government 
for  this  town,  with  such  powers,  pi-ivileges  and  immunities,  as  are 
contemplated  by  the  amendment  of  the  Constitution,  authorizing 
the  General  Court  to  constitute  City  Governments.  — 

The  following  Gentlemen  were  chosen  from  the  several  Wards, 
in  addition  to  the  former  Committee  —  viz  — 
WardN°.  1.  George  Darracott  7.  John  Cotton 

2.  Redford  Webster         [437]     8.  Lewis  G.  Pray 

3.  Thomas  Badger  9.  Benjamin  Russell 

4.  James  Davis  10.  Wilham  Sturgis 

5.  Henry  Farnam  11.  Daniel  Messinger 

6.  Michael  Roulstone  12.  Gerry  Fairbanks 

The  Meeting  was  then  adjourned,  to  Monday  the  24*^  day  of 
December  current,  at  10,  o'clock  A.M. — 

Monday  December  24"^  1821  — 

Met  according  to  adjoui-nment. — 

M^  Tudor,  Secretary  to  the  Committee  appointed  at  the  last 
meeting  "To  report  a  system  of  Municipal  Government  for  this 
town,"  stated  that  the  Committee  had  attended  to  the  duty 
assigned  them,  and  should  have  been  ready  to  report,  at  this 
Meeting,  if  there  had  been  time  to  have  had  the  report  printed 
and  distributed  among  the  Inhabitants,  but  as  the  report  could 
not  be  distributed  before  Wednesday  next,  he  moved  that  this 
Meeting  be  adjourned  to  Monday  next,  at  10,  o'clock  A.M.  which 
motion  was  carried ;  and  the  Meeting  was  accordingly  adjourned 
to  Monday  the  3P*  day  of  December  current,  at  10,  o'clock, 
A.M.— 


Boston  Town  Recoeds,  1822.  255 

[438.]  Monday  December  3P'  1821.— 

Met  according  to  Adjournment  — 

The  Hon^  M"^'.  Sullivan,  Chairman  of  the  Committee  appointed 
"To  report  what  is  usually  called  a  System  of  Municipal  Govern- 
ment for  this  Town,  with  such  powers,  privileges,  and  immunities 
as  are  contemplated  by  the  Amendment  of  the  Constitution, 
authorizing  the  General  Court  to  constitute  City  Governments." 
read  a  Report,  which  had  been  printed  and  distributed  among  the 
Inhabitants,  whereupon  it  was  — 

Voted,  That  the  final  question  on  this  Report  be  taken  by 
ballot,  at  an  adjournment  of  this  Meeting. 

Voted,  That  when  this  meeting  is  adjourned  to  take  the  final 
question  by  ballot,  it  be  to  Monday  the  7"^  day  of  January  next ; 
the  Poll  to  be  opened  at  10  o'clock  A.M.  and  closed  at  3  o'clock 
P.M.— 

It  was  then  voted  to  take  up  the  report  by  Paragraphs  or  Sec- 
tions :  — an  animated  debate  ensued,  during  which  several  altera- 
tions or  amendments  were  made  in  the  Report  — 

A  motion  for  adjournment  was  made,  and  carried  in  the  affirm- 
ative.— 

Adjourned  to  tomorrow  1^*  January  1822  at  10,  o'clock  A.M. — 


1833. 

[439.]  Tuesday  January  P*  1822.— 

Met  according  to  Adjournment.  10,  o'clock  A.M. — 

The  Report  of  the  Committee  was  further  discussed  and  sev- 
eral additional  alterations  and  amendments  made. — 

Adjourned  to  Tomorrow,  10  o'clock  A.M. — 

Wednesday  January  2*^.  1822  — 

Met  according  to  adjournment  10,  o'clock  A.M. 

The  debate  on  the  Report  was  finished  :  and  it  was  Voted,  That 
the  Report  as  amended  be  published  in  all  the  News-papers,  every 
day  until  and  on  the  day  of  voting  —  viz.  Monday  the  7*^  day 
of  January  1822,  together  with  the  several  resolves  which  are  to 
be  voted  upon  ;  —  and  that  the  Selectmen  prepare  ballots  in  man- 
ner following,  viz  — 


256  City  Document  No.  128. 

V^  Resolve, —  Shall  there  be  a  City  Government?  — 

2"*^  Resolve — Shall  the  elective  U.  S.  and  State  officers  be 
chosen  in  Wards  ?  — 

S*"*^  Resolve  —  Shall  the  City  Council  decide  the  number  of 
Representatives  — 

4"^  Resolve  —  Shall  the  Town  be  a  County  and  have  a  Police 
Court. — 

5'*^  Resolve  —  Shall  the  name  be  altered  from  Town  of  Boston, 
to  City  of  Boston. — 

[440.]  Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  appointed  a  Committee 
to  receive  sort  and  count,  the  ballots,  on  Monday  the  7"^  day  of 
January  instant  — 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  cause  the  hsts  of  qualified  voters  to 
be  prepared ;  and  also  cause  two  citizens  from  each  Ward  to 
attend  the  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  on  Monday  next,  to  check 
the  lists  of  voters  as  practised  in  the  election  of  State  Officers. — 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  cause  the  Town  of  Boston,  to  be 
divided  into  twelve  Wards,  each  containing  as  nearly  as  may  be, 
an  equal  number  of  Inhabitants  in  each. — 

Report. 

As  amended  by  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  at  a 
legal  Meeting  held  on  the  3P*.  of  December,  and  the  two  follow- 
ing days  — 

The  enlarged  Committee  who  were  instructed  by  a  vote  of  the 
Town  meeting,  held  on  the  lO*^*^.  of  December,  "  To  report  what 
is  usually  called  a  System  of  Municipal  Government  for  this 
Town,  with  such  powers,  privileges  and  immunities,  as  are  con- 
templated by  the  amendment  of  the  Constitution,  authorizing  the 
General  Court  to  constitute  City  governments,"  have  attended 
assiduously  to  the  duty  with  which  they  were  charged,  and  now 
submit  the  following  Report : — 

[441.]  In  place  of  the  first  part  of  the  former  Report, 
which  had  a  reference  to  prudential  affairs,  they  now  propose, 
according  to  their  instructions,  a  regular  representative  govern- 
ment for  the  Town ;  in  which  they  have  endeavored  to  combine, 
after  much  deliberation,  a  plan-  that  will  secure  a  full  represen- 
tation of  all  the  interests  of  the  Town,  in  a  body  of  men  annually 
chosen,  acting  for  the  citizens,  with  and  by  their  authority,  in 
assessing  Taxes,  making  expenditures,  and  enacting  by  laws,- 
and  also  an  efficient,  responsible,  and  active  executive  officer, 
with  a  suitable  council,  for  the  administration  of  the  concerns  of 
the  Town. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1822.  257 

The  following  is  an  abstract  of  a  representative  plan  of  gov- 
ernment, in  which  care  has  been  taken  to  introduce  all  the 
fundamental  and  essential  principles,  that  will  be  embraced  by 
the  establishment  of  a  City  government  for  this  Town,  conform- 
ably to  the  following  general  outline. 

That  this  corporation  shall  be  denominated  ' '  the  City  of 
Boston."  That  the  administration  of  the  fiscal,  prudential  and 
municipal  concern  of  this  corporation,  subject  to  the  limitations 
hereinafter  mentioned,  shall  be  vested  in  one  principal  officer  to 
be  denominated  the  Mayor. — 

One  select  body  to  consist  of  eight  persons,  [443]  to  be 
denominated  the  Board  of  Aldermen. 

One  more  numerous  body  to  be  denominated  the  Board  of 
Common  Councilmen. — 

The  whole  in  their  aggregate  capacity,  to  be  denominated  the 
City  Council. —  That  the  Mayor  shall  be  chosen  by  the  citizens, 
voting  in  their  respective  wards  ;  and  shall  hold  his  office  for  the 
term  of  one  year,  and  shall  have  a  suitable  compensation  to  be 
determined  by  the  City  Council.  —  Provided,  that  in  the  case  of 
the  resignation,  decease,  or  permanent  or  temporary  absence,  or 
inability  of  the  Mayor,  the  City  Council  may  elect  a  person  to 
supply  his  place,  as  the  occasion  may  require. — 

That  the  Board  of  Aldermen  shall  be  chosen  by  general 
ticket,  by  the  qualified  voters  of  the  City,  voting  in  wards,  for 
the  term  of  one  year. — 

That  the  Board  of  Common  Councilmen  shall  be  chosen  by 
the  qualified  voters  of  the  City,  in,  and  for  their  respective 
Wards ;  each  ward  having  a  right  to  choose  four. — 

That  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen  shall  compose  one  Board,  shall 
sit  and  act  together  as  one  body ;  at  all  meetings  of  which  the 
Mayor  shall  preside ;  in  his  absence  the  Board  to  choose  a  Chair- 
man for  the  time  being.  They  shall  choose  a  Clerk,  whose  duty 
it  shall  be  to  keep  a  journal  of  their  proceedings.  Such  [443] 
Clerk  to  have  all  the  powers,  and  perform  all  the  duties  now 
belonging  to  the  Town  Clerk  of  Boston,  except  in  cases  where  it 
is  otherwise  expressly  provided. — 

That  the  Board  of  Common  Councilmen  shall  sit  and  act 
together  as  a  separate  body,  and  be  organized  by  the  election  of 
a  Presiding  Officer  and  Clerk. — 

That  the  administration  of  police,  and  the  executive  powers  of 
the  corporation  generally,   including  all  the   powers  now  by  law 


258  City  Document  No.  128. 

vested  in  the  Selectmen  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  shall  be  vested 
in,  and  exercised  by  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of  the  City,  as 
hereby  constituted. 

That  all  other  powers  of  the  town  of  Boston,  as  a  municipal 
corporation,  except  those  relating  to  elections,  and  those  other- 
wise specially  provided  for,  shall  be  vested  in  the  Mayor  and 
Aldermen,  and  Common  Council,  in  City  Council  convened,  to 
be  exercised  by  concurrent  vote,  each  Board  as  hereby  constituted 
having  a  negative  upon  the  other. — 

More  especially,  they  shall  have  power  to  make  all  needful  and 
salutary  by-laws;  to  lay  and  assess  taxes  for  all  purposes,  for 
which  towns  are  by  law  required  or  [444]  authorized  to  assess, 
and  grant  money ; 

To  lay  and  assess  taxes  for  all  purposes,  for  which  county 
taxes  may  by  law  be  levied  and  assessed,  whenever  the  City 
shall  alone  compose  one  county  ; 

To  provide  for  the  assessment  and  collection  of  all  such  taxes ; 

To  appropriate  all  public  monies,  and  provide  for  the  disburse- 
ment thereof,  and  take  all  suitable  measures  to  ensure  a  just  and 
prompt  account  thereof ; 

To  provide  for  the  appointment  and  choice  of  all  necessary 
ofiicers,  not  otherwise  provided  for ;  to  prescribe  their  duties, 
and  fix  their  compensation  ; 

To  choose  a  Register  of  Deeds,  whenever  the  City  shall  alone 
compose  one  county ; 

To  have  all  the  powers  now  by  law  vested  in  the  Board  of 
Health,  and  provide  for  the  exercise  of  the  same ; 

To  have  the  care  and  superintendence  of  the  public  buildings, 
and  the  custody  and  management  of  all  the  property  of  the  City, 
to  lease  or  sell  the  same,  (except the  Common  and  Faneuil  Hall,) 
and  purchase  property,  real  or  personal,  in  the  name  and  for  the 
use  of  the  City,  whenever  its  interest  or  convenience  may,  in 
their  judgment,  require  it. 

That  all  sittings  of  the  Common  Council,  and  of  the  Mayor, 
and  Aldermen,  when  not  engaged  in  executive  business,  shall  be 
public. 

[445.]  That  the  City  Treasurer  shall  be  chosen  by  the 
Mayor,  and  Aldermen  and  Common  Council  in  Convention. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1822.  259 

That  the  Firewards  shall  be  chosen  by  the  citizens,  in  wards, 
in  equal  numbers  to  each  ward,  to  be  determined  by  the  City 
Council ;  provided  there  be  not  less  than  three  to  each  ward  : 
That  there  shall  be  one  Overseer  of  the  Poor,  &  one  Member  of 
the  School  Committee,  chosen  in  each  ward.  And  that  the 
Mayor  and  Aldermen,  and  School  Committee,  shall  have  the  care 
and  superintendence  of  the  Public  Schools. 

That  all  Boards  and  Officers  shall  be  accountable  to  the  City 
Council,  for  the  expenditure  of  all  monies,  committed  to  their 
charge. 

That  the  City  Council  shall  publish  and  distribute  annually,  a 
statement  of  all  receipts  and  expenditures  of  public  m.onies,  and 
a  statement  of  all  City  property. — 

That  in  all  cases  of  the  appointment  of  officers,  by  the  Mayor 
and  Aldermen,  the  Mayor  shall  have  the  power  of  nomination ; 
such  nomination,  however,  to  be  confirmed  or  rejected  by  the 
Board.  Provided,  however,  that  no  officer,  whose  salary  shall  be 
paid  out  of  the  City  Treasury,  shall  be,  at  the  time  of  his  election, 
a  Member  of  the  Board  of  Aldermen,  or  of  Common  Council. — 

That  it  shall  be  the  duty  of  the  City  [446]  Council,  seasona- 
bly in  each  year,  to  meet  in  Convention,  and  determine  the 
number  of  Representatives  which  it  may  be  expedient  for  the 
Corporation  to  send  to  the  General  Court,  within  its  constitutional 
limits,  and  seasonably  to  publish  such  determination,  which  shall 
be  conclusive ;  and  the  number  thus  determined,  shall  be  speci- 
fied in  the  warrant  calling  a  meeting  for  the  election  of  Repre- 
sentatives. 

That  all  elections  of  State  and  United  States  Officers,  shall 
continue  to  be  held  as  heretofore,  by  general  meetings  of  the 
qualified  voters  ;  at  which  meetings  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen  of 
the  City  shall  preside ;  or  in  ward  meetings,  as  the  citizens  may 
decide  by  ballot,  at  the  adjourned  meeting  on  the  7*'\ 

That  general  meetings  of  the  citizens,  qualified  to  vote  in  City 
affairs,  may  from  time  to  time  be  held,  to  consult  upon  the  com- 
mon good,  to  give  instructions  to  their  Representatives,  and  to 
take  all  lawful  measures  to  obtain  a  redress  of  any  grievances, 
according  to  the  right  secured  to  the  people,  by  the  Constitution 
of  this  Commonwealth.  That  such  meetings  shall  be  duly  warned 
by  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen,  upon  the  requisition  of  fifty  qualified 
voters  of  said  City.  — 

That  all  warrants  for  the  meetings  of  [  44  T]  Citizens  for 
municipal  purposes,  either  in  general  meetings  or  in  wards,  shall 
be  issued  by  the  Mayor  and  Aldermen. — 


260  City  Document  No.  128. 

That  a  new  arrangement  of  wards  shall  be  made  as  soon  as 
may  be,  dividing  the  town  into  twelve  wards,  in  such  manner  as 
to  have  equal  numbers  of  inhabitants  in  each  ward,  as  nearly 
as  may  be,  consistently  with  convenient  and  well-defined  limits. — 

That  for  the  orderly  conducting  of  ward  meetings,  and  elections 
therein,  each  ward  shall  be  organized  by  the  election  of  one 
Warden,  one  Clerk,  and  five  Inspectors,  all  to  be  chosen  annually, 
by  the  qualified  voters  in  their  respective  wards.  That  neither 
the  Mayor,  nor  any  Alderman,  or  Common  Councilman,  shall,  at 
the  same  time,  hold  any  other  office  under  the  City  Government. — 

The  Committee  do  not  deem  it  necessary  to  go  into  expla- 
nations of  the  system  here  described,  because  its  operation  will  be 
sufficiently  obvious  to  a  community,  who  are  in  the  habit  of  con- 
sidering constitutional  forms  and  principles.  They  will  only  ask 
the  attention  of  their  fellow  citizens  to  one  observation  :  The 
plan  proposed,  differs  strikingly,  and  they  hope  advantageously, 
from  most  if  not  all  other  plans  of  City  Government,  in  keeping 
the  judicial  department  entirely  [448]  distinct  from  the  legis- 
lative and  executive.  This  is  a  great  principle  in  our  state  and 
national  governments,  and  affords  a  peculiar  security  to  the 
rights  of  the  citizens,  upon  which  it  is  not  necessary  to  enlarge. — 

The  second  part  of  the  part  of  the  former  report,  related  to  a 
new  organization  of  the  County,  and  the  establishment  of  a 
Police  Court,  to  have  the  cognizance  of  all  civil  and  criminal 
suits,  now  acted  upon  by  Justices  of  the  Peace.  They  have  only 
one  amendment  to  make  to  this  part  of  that  report,  which  is,  that 
the  jurisdiction  of  the  proposed  magistrates  should  be  enlarged 
in  the  cases  of  notes  of  hand  and  specialties,  to  the  sum  of  one 
hundred  dollars. — 

They  would  recommend  the  same  plan  contained  in  the  former 
report,  that  for  the  purpose  of  more  convenient  discussion,  the 
substance  of  the  alterations  should  be  contained  in  five  resolves, 
viz  :  — 

Resolved,  first.  That  we  approve  of  having  an  alteration  in  the 
form  of  town  government,  according  to  the  report,  (as  amended) 
made  to  the  town,  the  24*  December  1821. — 

Resolved,  second.  That  the  United  States  and  Commonwealth's 
elective  officers,  shall  [449]  be  chosen  by  the  citizens,  in  ward 
meetings,  and  not  in  town  meetings  as  heretofore  practised. 

Resolved,  third.  That  the  City  Council,  shall  annually  determine 
the  number  of  Representatives  to  be  voted  for  to  represent  the 
town  in  the  General  Court. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1822.  261 

Resolved,  fourth.  By  the  inhabitants  of  Boston,  in  town  meeting 
assembled,  that  we  approve  of  the  proposition  that  the  town 
should  form  a  county  by  itself ;  that  the  Treasurer  of  the  Town 
should  also  be  the  Treasurer  for  the  county ;  that  the  Court  of 
Sessions  should  be  abolished,  and  its  duties  transferred  to  other 
bodies  ;  and  that  a  Board  of  Magistrates,  to  be  called  the  Police 
Court  of  Boston,  and  paid  by  salary,  shall  be  established,  who 
shall  have  cognizance  of  all  criminal  and  civil  causes,  now 
brought  before  Justices  of  the  Peace,  and  whoso  jurisdiction  in 
civil  suits  shall,  in  the  cases  of  all  notes  of  hand  and  specialties, 
extend  to  the  sum  of  one  hundred  dollars  ;  and  our  Senators  and 
Representatives  in  the  General  Court  are  hereby  instructed  to 
endeavor  to  procure  the  passage  of  a  bill  for  these  purposes,  on 
the  principles,  and  with  the  limitations,  laid  down  in  the  report 
submitted  to  the  town,  the  10*"^  day  of  December.  *And  the 
Selectmen  are  hereby  authorized  to  appoint  a  committee,  to  pre- 
pare a  petition  and  Bill  for  this  purpose. — 
*see  page  451. 

[450.]  Resolved,  fifth.  That  this  question  be  determined  by 
ballot,  viz.  :  Shall  the  name  of  the  town  be  changed  from  "  the 
Town  of  Boston."  to  "  the  City  of  Boston." 

The  Committee  repeat,  from  the  most  obvious  dictates  of  rea- 
son and  justice,  the  recommendation  of  the  former  report,  that 
the  vote  should  be  given  by  ballot,  on  the  five  resolves,  saying 
yes  or  wo,  at  an  adjourned  meeting  for  this  purpose,  after  the 
discussion  shall  have  taken  place ;  —  which  meeting  shall  only  be 
held  for  the  reception  of  these  ballots.  And  they  will  only  add, 
an  eai'nest  expression  of  their  hope,  that  as  it  can  occasion  to 
the  most  busy  of  the  inhabitants,  but  a  slight  interruption  of 
their  occupations,  to  give  in  their  iDallots,  that  every  citizen  will 
perform  his  duty  on  this  important  occasion,  by  voting  on  one 
side  or  the  other,  so  that  the  expression  of  pubhc  opinion  may  be 
complete  and  decisive. — 

Resolved,  By  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  in  town 
meeting  assembled,  that  we  approve  of  having  an  alteration  in 
the  Government  of  the  Town,  by  the  establishment  of  a  form  of 
City  Government,  composed  of  a  Mayor,  Aldermen  and  Common 
Council,  to  have  the  management  of  the  affairs  of  the  Town  con- 
formably to  the  plan  detailed  in  [451]  the  report  made  to  the 
town,  on  the  24''^  December,  (as  amended  at  this  meeting)  and 
our  Senators  and  Representatives  in  the  General  Court  are  hereby 
instructed  to  endeavor  to  procure  the  passage  of  a  bill  at  the  next 
session  of  the  Legislature,  to  carry  this  resolve  into  effect ;  and 
the  Selectmen  are  hereby  authorized  to  appoint  a  committee,  to 
prepare  a  petition  and  bill  for  this  purpose. — 


262  City  Documekt  No.  128. 

*  The  second  Bill  which  they  recommend  to  be  applied  for,  has 
a  reference  to  the  affairs  of  the  County,  and  to  the  administration 
of  justice  in  its  first  stages.  It  will  provide  for  making  the 
County  of  Suffolk  to  consist  of  the  Town  of  Boston  only  :  To 
abolish  the  Court  of  Sessions,  and  transfer  its  several  powers  to 
different  bodies  ;  —  To  make  the  Town  Treasurer  the  Treasurer 
for  the  County  :  And  give  the  cognizance  of  petty  criminal  and 
civil  causes  to  a  Board  of  Magistrates,  whose  income  will  not 
depend  on  the  business  they  transact,  and  who  will  therefore  have 
no  temptation  to  encourage  frivolous  prosecutions  and  litigation ; 
but  who  wiU  receive  a  regular  salary  for  the  transaction  of  the 
criminal  department,  sufficient  to  secure  the  services  of  able, 
upright  men. — 

In  thus  recommending  that  the  Court  of  Sessions  should  be 
abolished  they  wish  [452]  distinctly  to  state,  that  [it]  is  not  from 
any  blame  which  attaches  to  that  court,  in  whose  transactions 
they  have  found  nothing  to  censure,  but  which  Court  the  Com- 
mittee believe  has  acted  with  fidelity  towards  the  public ;  but 
because  its  agency  will  be  no  longer  necessary,  when  the  County 
shall  comprise  only  one  Town ;  and  its  various  functions  can  be 
transferred  to  other  bodies,  with  advantage  and  economy  to  the 
town. —  A  very  considerable  saving  will  be  annually  made  to  the 
town  and  State  by  this  arrangement ;  yet,  however  great  this  sav- 
ing may  be,  it  will  be  one  of  the  least  of  the  benefits  that  will 
result  from  the  change.  The  present  mode  of  administering  jus- 
tice in  its  first  stages,  is  attended  with  many  growing  abuses  ;  and 
though  they  have  already  attained  to  a  very  considerable  extent, 
they  must,  unless  prevented  by  an  entire  change  in  the  system, 
produce  eventually  the  most  mischievous  and  immoral  conse- 
quences. 

The  second  Bill,  the  Committee  propose  should  provide  for  the 
following  general  objects,  viz. :  — 

That  the  County  of  Suffolk  should  contain  the  Town  of  Boston 
only,  and  the  offices  of  Treasurer  for  the  Town  and  County  be 
united  :  That  the  civil  and  criminal  business  transacted  by  the 
Justices  of  the  Peace  [453]  in  the  County,  shall  be  confided  to 
a  Police  Court,  composed  of  three  able  and  discreet  Magistrates, 
with  salaries  to  be  paid  by  the  County  :  That  in  the  distribution 
of  the  powers  now  exercised  by  the  Court  of  Sessions,  all  those 
which  relate  to  the  estimating  and  assessing  of  County  taxes, 
will  be  confided  to  the  Town,  and  exercised  in  the  same  manner  as 
the  power  of  providing  for,  and  assessing  Town  taxes  :  That  the 
Selectmen  of  Boston,  shall  have  the  power  of  granting  licences, 
and  all  the  power  of  the  said  Court,  in  the  erection  and  mainte- 
nance of  Prisons  and  other  County  Buildings,  and  in  the  disposi- 
tion and  management  of  all  other  County  property  :  That  the 
Court  of  Common   Pleas  shall  have   all  the   jurisdiction  of  said 


Boston  Town  Records,  1822.  263 

Court,  in  relation  to  trials  which  may  require  a  jury  :  And  that 
the  duty  of  examining  all  County  accounts,  connected  in  any  man- 
ner with  the  administration  of  justice ;  of  assigning  limits  to 
the  jail  yard,  and  in  general  all  the  residue  of  the  powers  of  the 
Covu't  of  Sessions  not  otherwise  provided  for,  and  which  though 
they  may  be  little  more  than  nominal,  cannot  be  exercised  by 
Selectmen,  without  their  being  organized  as  a  judicial  body,  shall 
be  confided  to  a  court  composed  of  the  Justices  of  the  Police 
Court,  and  such  other  Judges  of  the  Courts  of  the  County,  as 
may  be  connected  with  them  for  that  purpose. — 

Adjourned  to  Monday  next,  the  7*^  day  of  January  current  at 
10  oclock  A.M. — 

[454.]     Monday  January  7^^  1822.     10.  o'clock,  A.M.— 

Met  according  to  Adjournment.^ 

The  Moderator  stated  that  this  adjourned  meeting  being  held 
for  the  sole  purpose  of  receiving  votes  upon  the  several  resolves 
in  the  amended  report,  before  the  town,  the  qualified  voters 
would  now  proceed  to  bring  in  their  ballots  accordingly,  and 
that  the  Poll  would  be  closed  at  three  o'clock  P.M.  — 

At  the  close  of  the  Poll,  it  appeared  that  there  was  for  the 
1«*    Eesolve     -     -     -     -     2805  Yeas     2006  Nays 
2"'!     ditto         .     -     -     .     2611       "       2195     " 
o""^      ditto        ...     -     2690       "       2128     " 
4*'^      ditto        ....     4557      "         257     " 
5"^      ditto         ....     2727       "       2087     " 

The  Moderator  stated  the  number  of  votes,  for,  and  against, 
each  article,  and  declared  the  whole  report  accepted  by  the 
Town. — 

Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town,  be  given  to  the  respective 
Committees,  who  were  concerned  in  drawing  up  the  several 
reports,  on  the  subject  of  City  Government,  and  judicial  Police. — 

The  Meeting  was  then  Dissolved. 

Thomas  Clark,  Town  Clerk. — 


[455.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other  Inhabi- 
tants of  the  Town  of  Boston,  qualified  to  vote  in  town  affairs, 
held  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on  Monday  the  14*^  day  of  January,  A.D. 
1822.  10  o'clock  A.M. 


264  City  Document  No.  128. 

Warrant  for  calling  the  meeting  read. — 

The  petition  of  John  H.  Wheeler,  and  others,  "That  the 
Town  would  petition  the  Legislature  to  alter  or  repeal  the  Law, 
regulating  the  building  within  the  Town."  was  read  —  and  after 
debate,  it  was  Voted,  To  petition  the  Hon^  Legislature,  so  far 
to  alter  or  repeal  the  existing  Laws,  regulating  the  building 
within  the  Town  of  Boston,  as  to  permit  the  Citizens  thereof,  to 
erect  wooden  buildings,  upon  an  elevation  not  exceeding  eighteen 
inches  above  the  level  of  the  Streets. —  of  eighteen  feet  posts, 
with  the  addition  of  a  roof  not  to  exceed  a  regular  pitch  of  one 
third. —  which  roof  shall  be  slated,  and  when  two  or  more  build- 
ings shall  be  joined  together,  there  shall  be  a  brick  partition  wall, 
of  at  least  eight  inches  in  thickness  ;  and  in  each  and  every 
building  so  erected  there  shall  be  one  or  more  windows,  or  a 
scuttle  in  the  roof  thereof. — 

Voted,  that  the  Gentlemen  Selectmen  be  requested  to  prepare 
a  petition  to  the  Hon^  Legislature  conformable  to  the  above  vote. 

Voted,  That  our  Senators  &  Representatives  [456]  be 
directed  to  use  their  influence  in  procuring  the  passage  of  a  Bill 
by  the  Hon\  Legislature  conformable  to  the  above  vote  of  the 
Town. 

Voted,  That  the  Selectmen  be  requested,  to  cause  to  be  pub- 
lished and  distributed  to  the  Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston, 
a  correct  List  —  stating  the  amount  of  Real  and  Personal  Estate 
on  which  the  inhabitants  of  the  Town  have  been  valued,  doomed, 
assessed  and  taxed  for  the  year  1821  — And  also  all  abatements 
that  have  been  made  from  the  estimation  if  any,  previous  to  the 
first  day  of  January  1822. 

The  meeting  was  then  Dissolved. 

Attest,  Tho.  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 


[457.]  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders  and  other 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  holden  at  Faneuil  Hall,  on 
Monday  the  4*^  day  of  March  A.D.  1822  —  10,  o'clock  A.M.— 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read  — 

This  Meeting  was  called  in  conformity  to  the  twenty  third, 
and  twenty  first  Sections  of  an  Act  entitled  "An  Act  to  establish 
the  City  of  Boston  "  passed  on  the  23^  day  of  February  1822. — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1822.  265 

The  Selectmen  presiding ;  tlie  Chairman  stated  to  the  Inhabi- 
tants, that  the  "Act  for  estabhshing  the  City  of  Boston,"  had 
been  printed  and  distributed  with  the  Notification  for  calling  the 
Meeting; — Whereupon  it  was  moved  and  Voted,  that  the  read- 
ing of  the  Act  be  dispensed  with. 

The  Chairman  submitted  the  following  questions  to  the  qual- 
ified voters  of  the  Town,  and  requested  them  to  write  yes,  or  no, 
against  each  Question. — 

1^'.  Question  —  Will  you  accept  the  Charter  granted  by  the  Leg- 
islature entitled  "  An  Act  to  establish  the  City  of  Boston." — 

2*^.  Question  —  "  Shall  the  Election  for  State  and  United  States' 
Officers  be  holden  in  General  Meeting." — 

Voted,  That  the  Poll  be  closed  at  3  o'clock. — 

At  the  close  of  the  Poll  it  appeared,  that  [458]  the  whole 
number  of  ballots  given  in  on  the  first  question,  was  forty  six 
hundred  and  seventy  eight  —  4678  —  viz.  Yeas  2797  —  Nays 
1881  — Majority  916  —  for  accepting  the  City  Charter. — 

The  whole  number  of  votes  given  in  on  the  second  Question, 
was  forty  seven  hundred- — 4700  —  viz.  Yeas  1887  —  Nays  2813 
—  Majority  926  —  against  electing  State  and  United  States' 
Officers,  in  G-eneral  Meeting. — 

The  state  of  the  votes  was  declared  by  the  Chairman  of  the 
Selectmen  ;  and  then  the  Meeting  was 

Dissolved 

Attest  Tho'  Clark,  Town  Clerk. — 


[459.]  At  a  Legal  Meeting  of  the  Freeholders,  and  other 
Inhabitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  holden  at  Faneuil  Hall  on 
Wednesday  the  6*^^  day  of  March  A. D. 1822  —  10,  o'clock  A.M.  — 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read. — 

It  was  moved  and  Voted  that  the  Selectmen  be  requested  to 
preside  at  this  Meeting. 

The  Petition  of  Asa  Lewis  and  others,  "  To  see  if  the  Town 
will  vote,  to  petition  the  Hon.  Legislature  at  their  next  Session, 
so  far  to  alter  or  repeal  the  existing  laws  regulating  the  building 


266  City  Document  No.  128. 

within  the  said  town,  as  to  permit  the  citizens  thereof  to  erect 
wooden  buildings  to  be  occupied  as  dwelling  houses,  of  18  feet 
posts,  and  roof  of  a  regular  pitch  of  one  third ;  said  build- 
ings, in  no  case,  to  be  elevated  more  than  eighteen  inches  from 
the  level  of  the  street  to  the  bottom  of  the  sill ;  —  in  no  case  to 
be  more  than  thirty  feet  from  the  bottom  of  the  sill  to  the  highest 
point  of  the  roof ;  in  no  case  to  be  more  than  twenty  five  by 
forty  feet  ui3on  the  ground. —  the  roof  to  be  slated,  and  to  have 
at  least  one  window  or  scuttle  in  the  same. —  Whenever  two  or 
more  buildings  shall  be  joined  together,  there  shall  be  a  brick 
partition  wall  of  at  least  eight  inches  in  thickness  ;-^  and, 
whenever  such  building  shall  be  erected  within  six  feet  of  any 
other  wooden  buildings  of  more  than  ten  feet  posts,  it  shall  have 
a  brick  wall  [460]  of  the  like  thickness  on  the  side  so  adjoin- 
ing." was  read. 

A  motion  was  made  and  seconded.  That  the  prayer  of  the  Peti- 
tioners be  granted ;  and  that  the  question  be  taken  by  written 
ballots,  at  this  time  ahd  place  : —  The  question  being  put,  passed 
in  the  affirmative. — 

Voted,  That  the  Poll  be  closed  at  2  o'clock. 

The  Chairman  of  the  Selectmen  stated  the  Question  thus.  "  As 
many  gentlemen  as  are  in  favor  of  granting  the  request  of  the 
Petitioners  will  write  on  a  ballot  —  yes  — 

As  many  as  are  opposed  to  granting  the  prayer  of  the  Peti- 
tioners will  write  on  their  ballot,  no  — 

At  the  close  of  the  Poll  it  appeared  that  the  whole  number  of 
votes  given  in  was  —  3411  —  viz  2837  yeas  and  574  Nays — so 
the  question  passed  in  the  affirmative. — 

Voted,  That  the  gentlemen  now  composing  the  Board  of 
Selectmen,  be  appointed  a  committee  to  present  the  Petition  of 
the  Town  or  City,  to  the  Hon.  Legislature  at  their  next  session. — 

Voted,  That  the  petitioners  be  empowered  to  appear  by  coun- 
sel on  behalf  of  the  Town,  or  City,  to  advocate,  and  defend  the 
petition  before  the  Hon.  Legislature. 

[461.]  Voted,  That  the  thanks  of  the  Town  be  given  to 
the  Selectmen,  for  their  able,  and  impartial  conduct,  while  pre- 
siding at  this  meeting. 

The  Meeting  was  then  dissolved. 

Attest,  Tho'  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1822.  267 

[465i.J  At  a  legal  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  City 
(Town)  of  Boston,  holden  on  the  28**^  clay  of  March  A.D.  1822. 
10  o'clock  A.M.— 

Warrant  for  calling  the  Meeting  read.— 

Hon^.  Josiah  Qnincy  was  chosen  Moderator. 

Hon^  Josiah  Quincy  Chairman  of  the  Committee  on  the  House 
of  Industry  made  the  following  Report :  viz  — 

At  a  Meeting  of  the  Committee  on  the  subject  of  Pauperism 
and  a  House  of  Industry,  holden  at  the  Committee  Room,  (Fan- 
euil  Hall)  Saturday  March  2"^  1822.— 

A  report  from  the  Sub-Committee  appointed  on  the"  5"^  Febru- 
ary last,  on  the  subject  of  the  occupation  of  the  House  and 
grounds  the  ensuing  year,  and  also  what  further  monies  may  be 
required  for  completing  the  same,  being  read  and  considered  — 
thereupon. 

Voted,  That  the  same  be  adopted  and  that  the  Chairman  be  in- 
structed to  request  the  Selectmen  to  call  a  town  meeting  forthwith 
in  relation  to  the  subject  of  said  report  — 

A  true  extract  from  the  records  — 
Attest, —  Henry  J.  Oliver,  Sec^. 

The  Committee  appointed  by  the  Town  to  superintend  the 
erection  of  a  House  of  Industry,  in  obedience  to  that  general 
duty  of  early  and  exact  accountability,  incumbent  [463]  upon 
all  those  entrusted  with  the  management  of  public  monies,  ask 
leave  to  lay  before  their  fellow  citizens  the  present  state  and 
progress  of  that  institution; — their  views  in  relation  to  it,  and 
what  appropriation  it  will  be  expedient  for  the  town  to  make,  for 
the  completion  and  general  preparation  of  the  establishment,  the 
ensuing  year,  by  way  of  report. 

Conformably  to  the  original  estimate  of  the  Committee,  made 
in  their  first  report  in  May  last,  and  modified  and  explained  by 
their  report  in  October  last,  the  appropriations  made  in  May  and. 
October  have  proved  ample  to  cover  all  the  expenditures  occurring 
during  that  year.  It  appears  by  the  report  of  Francis  Welch 
Esq^.  Treasurer  of  the  Committee,  made  the  lo*"^  instant,  and 
hereto  annexed,  that  the  whole  expenditures  during  the  past  year 
on  account  of  the  buildings,  exclusive  of  the  land,  was  $19,612  — ■ 
leaving  a  balance   at   that  time,    unexpended,  in   his   hands,  of 


In  relation  to  the  present  condition  and  progress  of  the  work, 
your   committee  have  great   satisfaction  in  stating  that  it  is,  in 


268  City  Document  No.  128. 

every  material  respect,  conformable  to  their  wishes  and  anticipa- 
tions ;  and  that  no  other  or  greater  disappointments  have  occurred 
in  the  progress  of  it,  than  are  inevitable,  and  [464]  to  be  ex- 
pected, on  occasions  of  this  nature. 

In  consequence  of  failure  on  the  part  of  some  of  the  contractors, 
the  workmen  were  prevented  from  completing  the  external  cov- 
ering of  the  centre  building  the  last  Autumn.  The  external  walls, 
however,  have  been  raised,  the  roofs  of  both  wings  fixed  and 
boarded,  the  internal  walls  are  carried  up  as  high  as  the  centre, 
and  the  upper  floor  and  roof  of  the  centre  are  also  ready  to  be 
put  on  as  soon  as  the  season  permits.  The  carpenters  are  rap- 
idly progressing  in  fixing  the  partitions,  forming  the  rooms, 
preparing  the  window  frames,  doors,  sashes  and  floor,  so  as  to 
finish  the  whole  work  as  early  in  the  present  year,  as,  with  regard 
to  its  nature  and  permanency,  can  be  deemed  expedient. — 

As  stated  in  their  last  report,  your  Committee  have  been  regu- 
lated in  their  proceedings  by  regard  to  "strength,  durability 
and  permanent  accommodation,  without  special  attention  to  grati- 
fication of  taste  or  architectural  effect."  They  have,  however, 
enlarged  the  building,  for  reasons  stated  in  their  last  report,  and 
sanctioned  by  the  town,  to  a  size,  exceeding  by  at  least  one 
third,  the  dimensions  originally  contemplated.  The  weight  and 
importance  of  those  reasons  continue  to  be  strengthened  by  all 
the  views,  which  have  occurred  to  your  Committee,  in  the  course 
of  the  progress  of  the  building.  And,  notwithstanding  [465] 
the  expenditures  will,  on  this  account,  exceed  the  original  esti- 
mates, yet  the  town  will  be  amply  compensated  by  the  greater 
accommodations  and  permanent  arrangements  for  economy  or 
convenience,  which  will  result. — 

Similar  views,  in  relation  to  the  establishment,  have  induced 
your  Committee  to  cause  a  barn  to  be  erected,  of  small  dimen- 
sions, but  such  as  would  be  useful  and  necessary,  upon  whatever 
principle  the  institution  should  be  conducted  after  it  has  been 
once  put  into  operation.  In  addition  to  the  general  connexion 
of  such  a  building  with  such  an  establishment,  your  Committee 
were  induced  to  commence  and  finish  that  building  forthwith  with 
reference  to  the  accommodation  of  the  carpenters,  during  the 
winter  season,  thereby  enabling  them  to  use  it  as  a  work  shop 
and  a  deposit  for  their  finished  materials,  and  expediting  the 
whole  arrangements  of  the  ensuing  Spring  and  Summer.  This 
building,  (sixty  two  feet  long,  forty  wide,  and  twenty  feet  post,) 
has  been  accordingly  erected  and  completed,  and  its  cost,  though 
not  included  in  the  original  estimate,  has  been  paid  out  of  the 
expenditures  of  the  past  year. 

With  respect  to  the  requisite  appropriations,  which  will  be 
expedient,  for  the  present   year,  and   the  probable  cost  of   the 


Boston  Town  Records,  1822.  269 

establishment,  your  Committee  apprehend,  that  they  are  now 
qualified  to  speak  as  definitely  and  precisely,  as,  [466]  from 
the  nature  of  the  subject  is  possible,  and  sufficiently  so,  for 
all  pm-poses  of  wise  decision  and  satisfactory  judgment. 

The  establishment  will  be  undoubtedly  completed,  in  all  its 
parts  and  arrangements,  by  midsummer  or  early  autumn.  The 
appropriations  of  the  present  year,  must  have  reference  to  its 
completion,  and  be  considered  as  fixing  the  whole  cost  of  the 
establishment. 

In  addition  to  the  building  of  the  wharf,  the  house  for  the 
superintendent,  the  barn,  and  all  those  circumstances,  which  must 
continually  occur,  in  a  new  undertaking  of  this  extensive  charac- 
ter, tending  continually  to  enhance  the  expenditure  beyond  the 
estimate,  as  specified  in  the  former  report,  the  increase  of  the 
building  one  third  in  its  dimensions,  and  various  items  of  arrange- 
ments on  the  land,  its  fencing,  and  general  preparation  have  had 
a  similar  tendency,  yet  in  the  apprehension  of  your  Committee, 
though  making  a  considerable  addition  in  the  aggregate,  yet  none 
of  them  are  of  a  character,  when  examined  either  in  relation  to 
their  objects  or  details,  to  excite  any  doubt  concerning  their 
expediency. 

In  contemplating  the  whole  expenditures,  for  the  year,  to  com- 
plete the  buildings  upon  the  basis  of  the  calculations  heretofore 
made  with  the  additions  and  augmentations,  before  specified,  as 
also,  contemplating  unanticipated  contingencies,  in  a  new  under- 
taking of  this  character,  with  the  purpose  [467]  of  having  no 
deficiency  within  the  year,  and  no  additional  application  of  im- 
portance, to  the  town,  the  committee  recommend  that  the  sum  of 
Fifteen  Thousand  Dollars  be  put  at  the  disposition  of  the  Com- 
naittee ; —  a  sum  somewhat  exceeding  the  amount  of  their  esti- 
mate ;  but  on  occasions  of  this  kind,  they  are  anxious,  on  the  one 
hand  that  nothing  should  be  omitted  to  fulfil  all  the  wise  designs 
of  the  town,  in  relation  to  the  establishment,  and  they  are,  on  the 
other,  also  anxious,  that  they  may  not  be  prevented  from  fulfill- 
ing them,  acceptably,  from  any  temporary  deficiency,  happening 
from  any  inadequate  appropriation. — 

A  work  of  this  public  nature  concerning  which  the  opinions 
and  views  of  many  intelligent  minds  must  be  brought  to  coincide, 
and  concerning  the  economies  and  accommodations  of  which  new 
views  are  perpetually  occurring,  cannot  be  expected  to  be  subject 
to  the  same  minuteness  of  previous  estimate,  to  which  works  of  a 
smaller  and  a  private  nature  may  be  reduced.  With  the  expen- 
ditures which  have  already  occurred,  your  committee  have  every 
reason  to  be  satisfied,  both  as  it  respects  the  wisdom  of  the  plans 
and  the  excellence  of  the  execution ;  and  in  proposing  this 
amount;  it  is  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  them  to  finish,  without 


270  City  Document  No.  128. 

further  resort  to  the  town,  all  the  objects,  which  have  been 
entrusted  to  their  superintendence,  in  a  mode,  at  once  honorable 
to  the  Town,  and  complete  as  it  respects  the  establishment. — 

[468.]  And  your  Committee  have  the  great  satisfaction  to 
state,  that  not  only  the  whole  building  has  been  thus  far  con- 
ducted and  executed  in  a  manner,  wholly  independent  of  any  pri- 
vate or  personal  interest  or  contract  on  the  part  of  those  charged 
with  the  general  superintendence  of  the  work,  but  in  a  simplicity 
and  cheapness  of  style,  which,  when  its  greatness  and  nature  is 
contemplated,  will  bear  a  comparison  in  point  of  accommodation 
and  economy,  with  any  building  heretofore  erected  by  the  town, 
and  far  inferior  to  those  general  estimates,  which,  judging  from 
the  cost  of  buildings  of  a  similar  extent,  had  been  anticipated  by 
their  fellow  citizens. 

In  making  this  statement  and  estimate,  your  Committee  must 
be  understood,  to  comprehend  only,  the  whole  cost  of  the  build- 
ing, and  establishment,  complete  for  occupation.  —  The  powers 
and  authorities  of  the  present  committee,  in  their  apprehension, 
extend  no  farther.  But  in  the  present  advanced  stage  of  the 
undertaking,  they  deem  it  their  duty  and  within  the  scope  of  their 
instructions  to  recall  the  attention  of  their  fellow  citizens  to  its 
original  design,  and  to  those  arrangements,  which  have  now 
become  necessary,  in  order  to  put  the  Institution  into  a  train  of 
prosperous  activity,  in  relation  to  the  objects,  for  which  it  was 
originally  designed  ;  for  the  purpose  [469]  of  bringing  before 
their  fellow  citizens,  the  powers  and  authorities,  which  ought  now 
be  given  and  exercised  for  these  purposes. 

This  Institution  had  its  foundation  in  two  petitions,  brought 
forward  by  Thomas  Howe  and  others,  and  by  Joseph  May  and 
others.  —  The  objects  as  specified  in  the  former  petition,  were  ; 
"  for  the  establishment  of  a  House  of  Industry,  Work  House,  or 
Penitentiary,  where  means  might  be  afforded  for  the  employment, 
instruction,  and  reformation  of  the  idle  or  vicious  poor,  and  of 
those  capable  of  doing  any  thing  towards  their  own  support,  and 
yet  claim  public  charity."  The  objects,  proposed  by  the  latter, 
were  the  establishment  of  "a  Workhouse,  in  some  secluded  situ- 
ation, as  a  receptacle  for  the  idle,  the  dissolute,  and  intemperate, 
where ;  under  a  strong  and  vigilant  government,  they  may  be 
employed  and  kept  secluded  from  a  mischievious  intercoui'se  with 
the  town,  their  labour  made  to  contribute  to  their  own  support, 
their  habits  improved,  if  not  reformed,  their  number  diminished, 
and  the  growth  of  the  alarming  evil  of  pauperism  checked,  and 
the  public  burthens  ultimately  lightened." 

These  objects,  thus  developed,  have  been  the  basis  of  two  dis- 
tinct reports  to  the  Town  made  by  the  Committee,  charged  with 
the  consideration  of  those  petitions,  and  afterwards  with  the  erec- 


Boston  Town  Records,  1822.  271 

tion  of  the  House  of  Industry,  and  have  [4 TO]  been  strictly 
kept  in  view,  in  all  their  plans  aud  arrangements  made  upon  the 
subject. 

The  great,  primary  objects  of  the  Institution,  your  Committee 
have  always  deemed  to  be,  moral  elTect,  upon  the  idle  and  vicious 
poor. 

V^.  By  restraining  them.  —  2^^.  By  compelling  them  to 
work.  —  3*^.  By  secluding  them  from  their  old  haunts  and  giving 
them  new  habits.  4"'.  By  affording  them  moral  and  religious 
instruction  suited  to  their  age  or  condition.  5*^.  Relief  to 
society  from  open  drunkenness  and  street  beggary,  and  the  petty 
pilfering  carried  on  under  the  forms  of  poverty  by  children  of  the 
idle  and  vicious  poor  on  our  wharves,  in  our  streets,  and  in  our 
Market  places. 

The  secondary  objects  of  this  institution,  in  the  apprehension 
of  your  committee  has  always  been  the  diminution  of  the  expenses 
of  the  town  and  of  the  burthen  at  present  sustained,  in  supporting 
the  idle  and  the  vicious,  and  that  part  of  the  poor  capable  of 
labor.  This  object,  however,  your  Committee  consider  not  only 
as  secondai'y,  but  as  incidental ;  and  though  a  certain  consequence 
of  a  well  arranged  and  well  conducted  system  of  management,  of 
this  establishment,  yet  not  as  the  test  either  of  the  importance  of 
the  original  design,  or  the  success  of  the  institution. 

Your  Committee  apprehend  that,  altho'  the  institution  should 
not  by  [any]  possibility  effect  [4:71]  an  immediate  or  early 
reduction  of  the  expenses  of  the  Town,  in  this  relation,  yet  that 
a  good  to  society,  greatly  surpassing  a  pecuniary  benefit,  will 
result ;  —  not  to  l3e  estimated  by  money  and  superior  to  all  con- 
siderations of  that  nature. 

Without  pressing  general  reflections  of  this  kind  farther  on  the 
attention  of  their  fellow  citizens,  already  sufficiently  satisfied  and 
sensible  of  them,  as  the  origin  and  the  present  progress  of  this 
Institution  abundantly  evidences,  your  committee  restrict  them- 
selves on  the  present  occasion  simply  to  remark,  that  in  the 
present  stage  of  the  establishment,  it  is  proper  that  a  system  of 
management,  conduct,  and  discipline  should  be  in  train  of  prepa- 
ration —  that  the  land  connected  with  it  should  be  put  under  the 
control  of  some  superintendence,  having  reference  to  the  general 
design  of  the  Institution, — that  measures  should  be  adopted, 
and  authorities  given  for  the  selection  of  a  suitable  Overseer,  so 
that  as  soon  as  it  is  capable  of  receiving  its  inmates  it  may  be  in 
a  condition  to  begin  its  woi'k  of  restraint,  labor  and  discipline. 
Whether  these  objects  will  be  better  to  be  entrusted  forthwith 
to  any  special  committee,  or  be  referred  to  those  authorities, 
which  under  a  City  organization  are  about  to  be  invested  with 


272  City  Document  No.  128. 

the  care  and  management  of  the  [472]  concerns  of  the  Town  — 
your  Committee  refer  to  the  wisdom  of  their  fellow  citizens  ;  only 
remarking,  that  upon  the  vigor  of  the  management,  the  wisdom 
of  the  system,  and  on  the  qualifications  of  the  superintending 
of3ficer,  its  economical,  if  not  its  moral  effect,  must  obviously,  in 
a  great  measure  depend. 

All  the  committee  apprehend  at  this  time  necessary  to  be  done, 
is  to  authorize  such  a  sum  of  money  to  be  put  at  their  disposition 
as  will  enable  them  to  complete  the  Institution  at  the  time  con- 
templated ;  and  that  they  should  be  authorized  to  make  such  gen- 
eral arrangements  of  a  temporary  nature,  relative  to  the  manage- 
ment and  preparations  of  the  land,  as  the  present  season  may 
require,  leaving  to  the  new  authorities  the  power  of  selecting  the 
superintendent  and  arranging  the  general  system  of  discipline  and 
conduct. 

As,  however,  in  the  opinion  of  your  Committee,  it  may  be  pos- 
sible that  some  modifications  of  the  laws  may  be  useful  in  form- 
ing such  a  system,  and  a  consequent  resort  to  the  Legislature  at 
their  ensuing  session,  necessary,  and  as  waiting  for  the  organiza- 
tion of  the  city  authorities  may  occasion  an  inexpedient  and  dis- 
advantageous delay  in  commencing  the  operations  of  the  system, 
your  committee  respectfully  suggest,  that  authority  should  be 
invested  in  and  instructions  given  to  this  or  some  committee  to 
prepare  such  a  system  of  [473]  conduct  and  discipline,  and  to 
lay  the  same  before  the  city  authorities,  as  soon  after  their  organ- 
ization as  may  be  practicable  by  way  of  report,  with  such  elucida- 
tions as  may  be  deemed  expedient ;  and  that  the  town  should 
recommend  to  the  city  authorities,  to  take  early  measures,  for  the 
consideration  of  the  subject  matter  of  such  report,  and  for  the 
adoption  of  an  efficient  system  of  discipline  and  management ; 
and  for  the  putting  the  Institution  into  effective  operation.  In 
conformity  with  these  views,  they  present  to  their  fellow  citizens, 
for  their  consideration  and  adoption,  the  following  resolutions.  — 
For  the  Committee 

Josiah   Qiiincy,  Chairman. 
March  21.  1822. 

Voted,  That  the  sum  of  Fifteen  Thousand  Dollars  be  put  at 
the  disposition  of  the  Committee  for  building  the  House  of 
Industry,  and  that  the  said  Committee  be  authorized  to  draw  on 
the  Town  Treasurer,  for  any  sum  or  sums  of  money,  not  exceed- 
ing that  amount,  whenever  they  may  deem  it  wise  or  necessary. — 

Voted,  That  said  Committee  be  instructed  to  provide  for  the 
temporary  care,  management,  and  preparation  of  the  land,  as 
may  be  necessary  during  the  present  spring  and  summer,  and 
until  arrangements  on  that  subject  be  made  by  the  authorities  to 
be  [474]  established  under  the  city  organization. 


Boston  Town  Records,  1822.  273 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  having  care  of  the  erection  of  the 
House  of  Industry,  be  instructed  as  soon  as  possible  to  make  use 
of  any  able  bodied  poor  in  the  almshouse  —  And  the  Overseers 
of  the  Poor  be  requested  to  deliver  over  any  such  poor  to  the 
care  of  said  Committee  upon  their  application. 

Voted,  That  the  Committee  charged  with  the  care  of  the  House 
of  Industry  be  authorized  to  prepare  a  system  for  the  general 
conduct,  management,  and  discipline  of  said  House,  and  of  the 
land  connected  with  it,  and  to  lay  the  same  before  the  said  city 
authorities,  for  their  consideration,  as  soon  as  practicable  after 
their  organization ;  and  that  the  said  city  authorities,  be  and 
hereby  are  requested  to  take  the  same  and  the  subject  matter  of 
such  report  into  their  early  consideration,  and  to  adopt  such 
measures  in  relation  to  the  same  as  will  ensure  the  attainment  of 
an  efficient  system  of  discipline  and  management,  and  as  may  put 
the  said  Institution  forthwith  into  effective  operation. 

A  statement  of  cash  paid  towards  the  materials  for,  and  labor 
done  on  the  House  of  Industry,  barn,  wharf  &c  &c  — 

For  lumber  for  wharf,  barn  &  house S5691  — 

For  stone --  3266 


8,957 


[475.]     Amount  brought  up 8,957 

For  bricks 1291 

Eor  sand  and  lime 799 

For   labor  in  filhng  up  wharf,  digging  cellar  and 

well,  &c  &c 1379 

To  masons    ---- 4211 

To  carpenters    ------------  1740 

To  the  Superintendent  and  to  the  laborers  employed 

to  take  care  of  the  materials,  &c. 831 

For  incidental  expenses    ---------  404 


$19,612 
Cash  on  hand --.  388 


$20,000 

Francis  Welch,  Treasurer  — 
Boston  March  15.  1822.— 

Voted,  That  the  foregoing  report  be  accepted,  and  published  in 
three  of  the  Newspapers  printed  in  this  City. — 

The  Petition  of  Henry   Davis   and  others,  for  a  new  school 
house  at  the  north  part  of  the  town  being  read  —  it  was  — 


274  City  Document  No.  128. 

Voted,  The  Petition  of  Henry  Davis  and  others  be  committed 
to  the  School  Committee  with  instructions  to  them  to  proceed 
forthwith  to  build  a  school  house  at  the  north  part  of  the  town, 
and  to  locate  the  same  in  some  suitable  place. — 

[476.]  Voted,  That  the  School  Committee  be  requested  in 
building  the  said  School  House,  to  take  into  consideration  the 
connecting  with  it  an  Engine  House,  a  Watch  house  and  a  Room 
for  Ward  Meetings. — 

The  Meeting  was  then  Dissolved. 

Attest,  Tho'  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 


[477.]  At  a  Meeting  of  the  Inhabitants  of  the  City  [Town] 
of  Boston,  qualified  as  the  Constitution  prescribes,  holden  at 
Faneuil  Hall,  on  Monday,  the  1^*  day  of  April  A.D.  1822  —  9 
o'clock  A.M. 

Prayer  by  Rev.  Mr.  Parkman. 

The  Constitution  respecting  the  election  of  Governor,  Lieutenant 
Governor,  Counsellors  and  Senators  was  read  —  also  the  law  divid- 
ing the  Commonwealth  into  Districts  for  the  choice  of  Senators 
read  — 

Voted,  that  the  poll  shall  be  closed  at  2  o'clock  P.M. 

The  Chairman  of  the  selectmen  requested  the  inhabitants  to 
prepare  and  bring  in  their  votes  for  Governor  and  Lieutenant 
Governor  of  the  Commonwealth ;  and  six  Senators  for  the  District 
of  Suffolk.— 

Persons  voted  for  as  Governor,  with  the  number  of  Votes  for 
each  person  —  viz  — 

His 

Honi 


Excellency     John 

Geo.  G.  Channing 

-     -           1 

Brooks    -     -     - 

3114 

Jacob  Eustis  -     - 

-     -           1 

WilUam  Eustis     - 

1421 

[478]  George  W. 

Otis            1 

John  Phillips  -     - 

D.  Webster     -     - 

-     -           1 

William  Phillips  - 

James  N.  Maffitt 

-     -           1 

John    Lowell  -     - 

Benjamin  Loring  - 

-     -           1 

Stephen  Fairbanks 

Benj^.  J.  French - 

-     -           1 

Jonathan  Simonds 

Ez  Hawkes     -     - 

-     -           1 

Persons  voted  for  as  Lieutenant  Governor,  with  the  number  of 
votes  for  each  Person  —  viz  — 

His  Honor  William  Hon\  Levi  Lincoln  -     -     1425 

Phillips      -     -     -     3115  WiUiam  Eustis     -         — 


Boston  Town  Records,  1822. 


275 


James  Brewer  -     - 

2 

Ben  Russell      -     - 

- 

. 

William     Emmous 

1 

Eben  Thayer    -     - 

. 

. 

Josiah  Bradlee 

1 

Simon  Gardner 

. 

- 

Mich^.  Roulstone    - 

1 

J.  D.  Howard 

- 

. 

D  Webster        -     - 

1 

E.  H.  Robbins       - 

-' 

- 

Persons  voted  for  as  Counsellor 

s  and  Senators  for  the  District  of 

Suffolk,  with  the  number 

of  votes  for   each   person  — 

viz 

— 

Hon^  John  Phillips    -     - 

4273 

Thomas     L. 

Win- 

"     Thomas     H.    Per- 

throp 

- 

- 

2055 

kins    -     -     -     - 

2331 

[479]    Benjamin  Whit- 

''     Jonathan     Hunne- 

man     -     - 

- 

- 

1885 

well     -     -     -     - 

2188 

Samuel     A. 

Wells 

1884 

Lem'.  Shaw       -     - 

2305 

Samuel  Billinj 

?s 

- 

261 

Joseph  Tilden  -     - 

2370 

Jacob  Hall 

- 

258 

Benjamin  Russell  - 

2098 

Daniel  Baxtei 

_ 

236 

Hon^.  Henry  Dearborn    - 

2106 

Doct.  William  Ingalls 

- 

224 

George  Sullivan     - 

2044 

John  Brazer 

- 

- 

211 

Sam^  L.  Knapp     -     -     - 

14 

S.  A.   Whitman     - 

- 

- 

Henry  Orne 

7 

Eleazer  Pratt    -     - 

- 

. 

James  Lloyd     -     -     .     - 

8 

Geo.  W.  Bazin     - 

. 

. 

W".  Sullivan    ...     - 

5 

W™  Tudor  -     -     - 

. 

- 

William  Gray   -     -     -     - 

5 

David   Sears     -     - 

. 

. 

W"  Prescott     -     -     -     - 

4 

Abr'".    Babcock     - 

. 

. 

Sam^.  Brown     -     -     .     - 

3 

David  Hill  -     -     - 

. 

. 

Warren  Button      -     -     - 

3 

Joshua  Eayres  -     - 

. 

. 

Jesse  Putnam   -     -     .     - 

2 

Rufus  Barrus  -     - 

. 

_ 

Thomas  H.  Parker     -     - 

2 

George  Blake    -     - 

. 

. 

Gerry  Fairbanks    -     -     - 

2 

Jon^.  Phillips    -     - 

- 

- 

H.    Emmons     -     -     -     - 

2 

Redf<^.  Webster     - 

. 

. 

Tho®.  Jackson  -     -     -     - 

Sam^  Frothingham 

- 

. 

Jon^.  Howard  -     -     -     - 

Geo.  W.  Otis  -     - 

- 

- 

George  Darracott  -     -     - 

Jn°.  Wells  -     -     - 

- 

. 

14 

Edw.  Tuckerman  -     -     - 

Dan^  Webster  -     - 

- 

- 

6 

Quincy  Tufts   -     -     -     - 

Lynde  Walter  -     - 

- 

- 

6 

A.  B.  C.  Dow  -     -     -     - 

Eb.  Clough  -     -     - 

- 

. 

5 

H.  A.  S.  Dearborn     -     - 

P.  C.  Brooks    -     - 

- 

. 

4 

John  B.  Brown  -     -     -     - 

Jn".  Cotton  -     -     - 

- 

- 

3 

Henry  Gassett  -     -     -     - 

Josiah  Quincy  -     - 

- 

- 

3 

Jos.  Bumstead  -     -     -     - 

Fra.  J.  Oliver  -     - 

_ 

- 

2 

Nathi.  G.  Snelling  -     -     - 

John  Brooks     -     - 

- 

- 

2 

John  Lepean     -     -     .     - 

Jon^.  Amory     -     - 

- 

. 

2 

Jou*^.  Simonds  -     -     -     - 

Ja^  Savage  -     -     - 

. 

_ 

2 

Holbrook,  Dexter  &  C°.  - 

Jn°.  Bellows     -     - 

- 

- 

Elijah  Morse     -     -     -     - 

Tho'  L.  Whitman 

- 

- 

Hem  an   Lincoln     -     -     - 

George  Cabot  -     - 

- 

- 

Samuel  Hubbard   -     -     - 

14 

Jos.  Bosed  -     -     - 

- 

- 

Isaac  Winslow  -     -     -     - 

6 

Tho'  K.  Thomas  - 

- 

- 

Joseph   Jenkins     -     -     - 

8 

Lewis  Tappan  -     - 

. 

- 

Daniel  Sargent  -     -     -     - 

5 

En.  Silsby  -     -     - 

- 

- 

276  City  Document  No.  128. 

M  Roulstone     -     -  -  -  4  W"  D.  Sohier  -     -     .     -  1 

Benj*^.  Loring  -     -  -  -  4  John  C.  Watts  -     .     -     -  1 

Jn<».  T.  Apthorp    -  -  -  3  Benj*  Rand      ...     -  1 

Jos.  T.  Buckingham  -  -  2  B  Homer     -----  1 

Tho^  Melville  -     -  -  -  2  J.  F.  Trueman  -     -     -     -  1 

Nathi.  Tracy     -     -  -  -  2  Tho'  K.  Jones  -     -     -     -  1 

D  Messenger    -     -  -  .  2  Sam\  Cobb 1 

Francis  C.  Gray    -  -  -  2  W".  Minot  -     -     _     -     -  1 

B.  L.  Russell    -     -  -  -  1  Thac?.   Page     -     -     -     -  1 

John  Sears 1  Benj'^.    West     .     -     -     -  1 

[480]  Henry  Williams  -  1  Ben j.  Rich  -     -     -     -     -  1 

Thomas  Badger     -  -  -  1  Benj.  Abrahams    .     -     -  1 

W"'.  P.  Codman     -  -  -  1  Ja^  Loring  -----  1 

Benj.  Whittemore  -  -  -  1  Fra^  Welch      -     -     -     -  1 

Benj"^.  Winthrop    -  -  -  1  Enos  Cobb 1 

W™.  Plympton  -     -  -  -  1  Win.  Lewis  -----  1 

Thomas  Paul    -     -  -  -  1  James  T.  Austin    -     -     -  1 

Attested  copies  of  return  of  Persons  voted  for  as  Governor, 
Lieutenant  Governor,  Counsellors  and  Senators  for  the  District 
of  Suffolk  were  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting,  (after  the  vote 
had  been  declared)  to  be  transmitted  to  the  Secretary  of  the 
Commonwealth  as  prescribed  by  law,  and  directed  as  follows  — 


"To  Alden  Bradford  Esq.  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth 
of  Massachusetts  — 

Votes  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  for  Governor  and  Lieutenant 
[Governor] ,  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting. " 

"To  Alden  Bradford  Esq.  Secretary  of  the  Commonwealth  of 
Massachusetts  — 

Votes  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  for  six  Counsellors  &  Senators, 
for  the  District  of  Suffolk  sealed  up  in  open  Town  Meeting." 

Then  the  Meeting  was  Dissolved. 

Attest,  The'  Clark,  Town  Clerk. 

N.  B.  —  The  record  of  the  meeting  of  April  1,  1822,  is  that  of  the  last 
meeting  of  the  inhabitants  under  the  town  form  of  government,  conse- 
quently the  last  town  meeting,  so-called.  The  new  City  Government 
was  organized  on  the  first  of  May,  1822,  under  John  Phillips  as  the  first 
Mayor  of  Boston. 


INDEX. 


INDEX. 


Abutters  of  Town-dock,  183. 
Abrahams,  Benjamin,  276. 
Academies,  Private,  169. 
Accounts,  Board  of  Health  to  audit,  3,  27, 
53,  68,  74. 
Court  of  Sessions,  Legislative 
authority 
rel  a  t  i  V  6 
to,  238. 
report  of 
CO  ni  m  i  t- 
tee    on , 
231 ,  239. 
House  of  Industry,  report  of, 

273. 
Overseers  of  Poor  to  audit,  3, 

27,  53,  68,  74. 
Town  treasurer  to  audit,  3,  4, 
7,  11,  27,  32,  53,  59,  68,  74,  95, 
99,  101,  US,  137, 146,  175,  213. 
Act  to  erect  work-house,  22, 195. 

establish  City  of  Boston,  264,  265. 
for  governing  work-house,  195,  196. 
to  incorporate  Town,  petition  for,  32. 
for    suppressing   and  punishing 
rogues,  etc.,  22. 
Actions  against  grantees  of  land  on  Neck, 

31. 
Adams,  Asher,  200. 
Caleb,  142. 

Daniel,  116, 139, 163,  166. 
James,  142. 
John,  114, 166. 
Joseph,  99,  163. 

Samuel,  118, 163, 179, 180,  300,  203, 
204. 
Address  of  inhabitants  to  President,  87. 
President  to  inhabitants,  89. 
Agents,  to  collect  for  street  repairs,  31. 

deliver   releases   to   adminis- 
trator of  will  of  Thos.  Boyl- 
ston,  85. 
repair  streets,  31. 
Alliany,  252. 
Aldermen,258,  260,  261. 
Board  of,  257. 
choice  of,  257. 
confirmations  by,  259. 
power  of,  258. 
Alfred,  Me.,  deed  of  town  land  in,  183. 
Alger,  Cyrus,  200. 
Alley,  Nathaniel,  95, 113, 133, 137, 171,  175, 

203. 
Alline,  Henry,  176. 
William,  50. 
Allison,  William,  Jr.,  51. 
Almshouse    (see    House    of    Industry: 
work-house),  184,  185,  186, 
187,  188,  194. 
accomodations  of,  184, 189. 
Board    of    Superintendence 

for,  191. 
character  of  inmates,  250. 
cost  of,  192. 
expenses  of,  76, 186. 
immediate  necessity  of,  184. 


Almshouse,  in  Leverett  street,  194, 195. 
inspection  of,  191. 
insufficiency  of,  188. 
Marblehead,  185, 186. 

examination  of, 

185. 
expense  of,  185. 
new,  Deer  Island,  proposed 
for,  190. 
Ob  i  e  c- 
tlonsto, 
190. 
Salem,  examination  of,  185. 

expense  of,  185. 
use  of  inmates  for  work  on 
House  of  Industry,  273. 
Amory,  Jonathan,  115,  162,  275. 

E.G.,  92. 
Armstrong,  Samuel  F.,  142. 
Andrews,  Ebenezer,  159, 176. 
Ebenezer  T.,  48. 
James,  163. 

William,  137, 144, 175,  202. 
Anniversary  of   Independence,  37,  108, 

132, 156,  219,  223. 
Appleton,  Nathan,  30,  58,  199. 

Samuel,  117, 142. 
Appointment  of  chief  executive  by  Gov- 
ernor, 40. 
Appropriations  of  money,  11, 13, 194,  218, 

219,  246,  269,  272. 
Apthorp,  John  T.,  48, 144, 161,  276. 
Army,  commander  of,  89. 
Arsenals,  naval  destruction  of,  18. 
Artificers,  privileges  to,  44. 

regulations    and     restriction 
of,  47. 
Artillery  company,  154. 
Assay -masters,  choice  of,  3,  27,  52,  67,  95, 

113, 137,  175. 
Assessors,  to  assess  on  personal  prop- 
erty, 230. 
assistant,  6,  29,  47,  57,  73,  230. 

choice  of,  228. 
committee  to  wait  on,  206. 
to  furnish  selectmen  with  list 
of  ratable  polls,  6,  57,  73, 117, 
141, 160. 
petition  from,  for  increase  in 
compensation,  59. 
relative-  to  valuation 
of  estates  by,  172. 
power  of,  to  assess  taxes,  229. 
to    receive     yearly     warrant 
•  from  secretary  of  Common- 
wealth, 227. 
salary  of,  14,  36,  79,  104,  131, 
154,  199,  202,  217. 
Atkins,  H.,  200. 

Auction  of  stalls  in  market,  69. 
Auctioneers,  licenses  to,  150. 
Augusta,  214. 

Austin,  Benjamin,  5,  28,  57,  97,  99, 104, 116, 
118,  126,  134,  139,  153. 
Charles,  97. 
Charles  T.,  116. 


(279) 


280 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Austin,  James  T.,  23,  28,  71,  74,  85,  86,  92, 
95,  97,  104,  110,  115,  118,  139,  141, 

161,  177,  179,  196,  198,  200,  276. 
Jonathan  L.,  6,  143. 

Joseph,  1,  24,  25,  31,  49,  50,  65,  66, 
93,  94,  110,  111,  112,  117,  136,  141, 

162,  173. 
Mr.,  108,  132. 
Richard,  3,  27,  52,  67. 

Ayres,  Moses  Jr.,  26,  174. 


Babcock,  Abram,   135,    139,   163,  173,  177, 
198,  200,  251,  275. 
J/r.,  1,57,158,  159. 
Bacheldor  (Batchelder),  Josiah,  24,  30, 

58,  74. 
Bacon,  R.  Jr.,  180. 
Badijer,  Col.  Thomas,  .52,  197. 
Mr.,  52, 109. 

Thomas,  30,  48,  55,  71,  73,  81,  95, 
97,  115,   118,   123,   139,   141,   154, 
161,  208,  223,  254,  276. 
T..  200,  215. 
William,  211. 
Bainbridge,  Theo.,  116,  118,  143. 
Baker,  F.,  180. 

John,  162. 
Bakers,  weight  of  bread  to  be  sold  by,  52. 
Balch,  Joseph,  145, 163. 
Baldwin,  Jier.  Thomas,  23,  71,  156,  161, 
179,  199,  200. 
Thomas,  29,  126,  141,  200. 
Ballard,  Davis  C,  161. 

J.  C,  142. 
Ballots,  Committee  to  sort  and  count,  256. 

Selectmen  to  prepare,  255. 
Ballou,  Hosca,  1,39,  161, 179. 
Moses,  115. 
Her.,  93,  161. 
Bangs,  William,  72. 
Banking  InetltutionB,  43. 
Bankruptcy,  commission,  84. 
Banks,  Augusta,  211. 

Boston,  148,  149. 

Castine,  211,  214. 

Halls,  214. 

Hollo  well,  211. 

Manufactures  and  Mechanics,  214, 

215. 
Massachusetts,  148. 
Wiscassett,  211,214. 
bills  of,  211. 
debts  to,  4,  33. 
stock  taxation  of,  229. 
Bannister,  John,  3,  26,  51,  67,  95. 
-John  F.,  112,  137. 
Jonathan  F.,  175. 
Barbour,  Thomas,  3,  26,  51,  67,  95. 
Barn,     in     connection    with     House    of 

Industry,  erection  of,  268. 
Barnard,  Tristram,  29,  57,  72,  97, 116. 

T.,  163. 
Barrett,  Fra.,  163. 
Barstow,  Jacob,  112, 137, 175. 
Bartlett,  Enoch,  200. 

T.,  80. 
Barton,  A.  O.,  200. 
Barrus,  Rufus,  275. 
Barry,  Thomas,  7,  30,  58,  74. 
Bass,  Henry,  65,  93, 110,  111,  123,  135,  162, 

173. 
Bass,  .Jonas,  201. 

Mr.,  157, 158, 159. 
Bassett,  Francis,  74,  98,  117, 162,  180. 
Bates,  Harvey,  118. 
Baxter,  Daniel,  1,34,  145, 161,  173,  275. 
D.,  142,  179,  2()0. 
.lames,  95,  113. 
Mr.,  157. 
Bazin,  George  W.,  275. 
Bean,  Horace,  162. 

S.,  143. 
Beggars,  195. 


Beggars,  Act  for  suppression  and  pun- 
ishing of,  22. 
Beggary,  methods  of  relief  from,  271. 
Belknap,  John,  163. 
Bell,  Thuball,  10. 

Bellows,  John,  30,  97, 161,  200,  251,  275. 
Bells,  tolling  of,  5,  28,  56,  71,  96,  114. 
Bender,  Jacob,  115. 
Bent,  Adam,  173,  201. 
Berry,  Ebenezer,  112. 
Bequest  of  Thos.  Boylston,  83. 
Bigelow,  .Jacob,  163. 

Timothy,  163. 
William,  13,  20. 
Bill  relative  to  incorporating  town    of 
Boston,  261,  262. 
town    government,    38, 
45,  261. 
to  transfer  business  of  Justices  of 
Peace  to  Police  Court,  262. 
Billings,  Mr.,  1,57,  158,  159. 

Samuel,  72,  118,  134,  143,  162,  164, 
173, 180,  200,  220,  275. 
Bingham,  Caleb,  6,  28. 
Binney,  Amos,  97,  116,  121,  140,   161,  174, 
200,  213. 
Andrew,  135. 
Blake,  Benjamin,  116. 

George,  48,  57,  86, 140, 161,  241. 
Henry,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94,  112, 136,  174. 
William,  164,  203. 
Blanchard,  George,  2,  7, 15,  25. 
Bliss,  Alex.,  142. 
Board  of   Aldermen,  257. 

Health,  8, 12,  15,  32,  34,  35,  36, 
39,  43,  45,  46,  47,  52, 
53,  59,  63,  75,  77,  91, 
102,  103,  108,  109,  119, 
123, 130,  132, 133,  137, 
146,  147, 152,  157,  158, 
159, 170, 178,  208,  258. 
accounts  to  audit,  3, 

27,  53,  68,  74. 
appropriation  for,  218. 
authority  of,  122,  123. 
communication  from, 

113. 
current  expenses  of, 

&1,  120. 
drafts  of,  61,  101,  208, 

210. 
powers  of,  46,  47,  54. 
power  of  to  alter  quar- 
antine   regulations, 
54. 
powers  of  interfering 
with  those  of  select- 
men, 54. 
power  of,  to    isolate 
contagious  disease, 
54. 
powers  of,  relative  to 
burial-grounds,  145. 
president  of,  123. 
proposed  change   in, 
39. 
compensa- 
tion for, 
53. 
recommendation   of, 

123. 
report  of,  relative  to 
burial-ground    in 
South    Boston,   122. 
Boardman,  Darius,  36, 163. 
J.  F.,  163. 
Mr.,  157,  159. 
William,  72. 
Boards  and  shingles,  surveyors  of,  choice 

of,  3,  26,  51,  67,  112,136,174. 
Bond,  George,  117,  141, 161, 179, 180, 182. 
Jeremiah,  200. 
of  .Joseph  Field,  4. 
Uriah  Cotting,  149. 


Index. 


281 


Bond  of  Ward  N.  Boylston,  120,  149,151, 
216. 
town  treasurer,  15,  64,  109,  133, 
159. 
Bonds,  interest  on,  150. 
Bondsmen,  11,  15,  37,  (54,  91,  133, 158,  159. 
responsibility  of,  4. 
of  town  collector,  11,  15,  31, 
64,91,133,158. 
treasurer,  11,  15,  37, 
64,  91,  133,  158. 
Bosed,  Joseph,  275. 

Boston,  1,  4,  5,  6,  7,  8,  9, 11, 12, 14,  15,  17, 19, 
20,  22,  23,  25,  27,  29,  30,  31,  32,  33, 
35,  3d,  37,  38,  39,  40,  42,  43,  44,  45, 
46,  49,  53,  55,  57,  58,  59,  60,  63,  64, 
65,  68,  70,  71,  72,  73,  74,  75,  76,  78, 
79, 82, 83, 85, 86, 87, 88,89, 90, 96,  98, 
99,100, 102, 104,  108,  110,  114,  116, 
118,   119,   120,   122,  126,  127,  128, 
129,   131,   132,   134,  138,  140,  144, 
145,   147,   151,  156,  160,  164,  166, 
167,   168,   171,   172,   177,  178,  181, 
182,  183,   196,  201,  208,  209,  210, 
212,   213,  214,  215,   216,  217,  219, 
220,  223,  224,   225,   227,  231,  233, 
235,  236,   238,  2.51,   252,  2.56,  258, 
260,   261,  262,  263,  264,  265,  267, 
273,  274,  276. 
act  relative  to,  198. 
almshouse,  187. 
tank.    (.See  Banks.) 
brigade,  38. 
cemetery,  122. 
city  of,  256,  257. 

act  to  estahlish,  264,  265. 
bill  for  government  of ,  45. 
committee  to  fix  boundary  lines 

of,  252. 
corporation  of,  45. 
intendant  of  town  and  city  of,  45. 
mill  corporation,  138, 144, 145. 
Neck,  land  on,  4,  244, 247. 

for  almshouse,  192. 
choice  of  trustees, 
12,  30,  58,  78,  99, 
121,  143,  182. 
injury  to,  13. 
rent   of,  150,  209, 

212. 
report  of  trustees, 

13. 
to  sell  or  lease,  152. 
proposed  change  in  government 
of,  38. 
name  of,  45. 
proposition  to  make  into  separate 
coxmty,  235. 
Bowker,  Allen,  2,  26,  51,  67,  94,  112,  136, 

174. 
Boyd,  John  P.,  141,  162. 
Boylston,  Dr.,  151,  216. 
3fr.,  84,  85. 
Thoma8,^3,  85,  86,  99. 
Ward  N.,  74,  83,  85,  86,  99,  120, 

149,  151,211,216. 
donation,  publishing  receipts 

from.  107, 
market.    ( s'ee  Market.) 
Bradford,  Alden,  6,  29,  98,  110,  116,  140, 
163,180,181,276. 
Gamaliel,  159. 
William  B.,  118, 162. 
Bradlee  (Bradley),  David,  142. 

Elizabeth,  148. 

J     9   33 

Joseph  p.,  23, 116, 163, 

203. 
Josiah,  58,  73,  74,  81, 

116,  275. 
Mr.,  158,  159. 
Nathaniel,  2,  3,  26,  51, 
67,    94,   95,   112,  113, 
136,  137,  174. 


Bradlee  (Bradlev), Thomas,  164. 
Bradstreet,  Joseph  P.,  200. 
Brawlers,  196. 
Bray,  John,  49,  50,  65, 107,  111,  136. 

Maj.,  2. 
Brazer  (Brazier),  Joseph,  200. 

John,9,97, 118,141, 162, 
166,  275. 
Bread,  market  inspectors  to  enforce  law 
relative  to  weight  of,  53. 
weight  of,  52. 
Brewer,  James,  200,  275. 

Thomas,  118. 
Bridewell,  196. 

cells  in,  195. 

use  of  bath-house  as,  195. 
Bridges,  South  Boston,  123,  244. 

toll  from,  244. 
Briggs,  William,  182. 
Brigham,  Caleb,  56. 
J.,  176. 
T.,  180. 
Brimmer,  Martin,  143, 162,  200. 
Brinley,  George,  134, 163. 

Mr.,  135. 
Brookers,  Mrs.,  33,  60,  76,  102,  120,  218. 
Brooks,  John,  .56,  71,  96, 114,  139,  179,  180, 
274,  275. 
N.,  180. 

Peter  C,  28,  116,    117,  139,  142, 
161, 164, 166, 180, 199,  251,  275. 
Brookline,  262. 
Brown,  Daniel,  164. 

James,  3, 26,  51,  67, 95, 112, 136, 137, 

174, 175. 
John,  142,  275. 
Samuel,  5,  28,  57,  71,  97,  115,  118, 

140,  142,  162,  165, 166,  244,  275. 
William,  7, 12,  29,163. 
Bryant,  John,  162. 
Perez,  118. 
Buckingham,  Joseph  T.,  176,  276. 
Buildings,  brick,  205. 

house  of  industry,  description 
of,  245. 
location  of, 
244. 
laws  relative  to  erection  of, 

183,  204,  205. 
public    superintendence    o  f , 

258. 
wooden, law  relative  to,264,266. 
Bulflnch,  Charles,  1,  10,  12,  13,  15,  18,  24, 

25,  35,  49,  57,  62,  65,  77,  89,  93. 
Bullard,  Lamson,  72. 
Bumstead,  Joseph,  275. 
Buonaparte,  Napoleon,  179. 
Burial-grounds  on  Neck,  change  in   site 
of,  13. 
police  of,  145. 
repairs  of,  145. 
south,  article  in  warrant 

to  extend,  137. 
South  Boston,  committee, 
114,  123. 
communi- 
cation 
from 
Board  of 
Health 
rela  t  i  v  e 
to,  113. 
propos  e  d, 
i  n  c  o  n- 
venlence 
of,  122. 
propos  e  d, 
purchase 
of  land 
for,  122. 
report  of 
com  m  i  t- 
tee,   122, 
130. 


282 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Burroughs,  George,  143, 163. 

Burrows,  William,  135,  174. 

Business,  obstruction  to,  by  trucks,  80,  81. 

stagnation  of,  76. 
Bussell,  Benjamin,  275. 
By-laws,  42,  46,  69,  70,  72,  73,  81. 
enacting  of,  256. 
relative  to  carts  and  trucks,  72, 
73. 
obstruction  of  streets, 

81. 

obstructing  walks,  14. 

market,    report    of 

committee   on,    to 

revise,  68. 

removing  snow  from 

walks,  167. 
throwing  snow  from 

roofs,  14. 
weight  of  loads  to  be 
drawn    in    streets, 
80,  82. 


Cabot,  Frederick,  142. 

George,  28,  57,  72,  97,  163,  166, 188, 

275 
Joseph,  107, 113, 137, 144, 175. 
Mr.,  28. 
Cadets  from  West  Point,  220. 
Callander,  Charles,  97, 115. 
D.,  176. 
John,  164. 
Joseph,  55,  70,  203. 
R.  B.,  142,  200. 
Cambridge,  252. 
Campbell,  John,  142. 
Carleton,  Jonathan,  200. 
Carney,  Daniel,  72, 162,  182,  223. 
Carter,  Charles,  56. 

James,  72, 142. 
Carts,   by-Jaw  regulating  loads  carried 
In,  82. 
in  Dock  square,  69. 
regulation  of,  72,  73,  82. 
regulating  standing  of,  in  market, 
70. 
Carver,  Mr.,  133, 1.58, 159. 

Ruben,  162, 
Cary,  Hev.  Samuel,  2,  25. 
Cellar  under  Merchant's  Hall,  177. 
Cemetery.     (See  Burial-grounds.) 
Champney,  Joseph,  3,  26,  51,  67,  95, 113. 

O.  W.,  176. 
Chandler,  John,  115. 
Channing,  Edward  T.,  58,  74,  90. 
George  G.,  274. 
G.  C,  162. 
Mr.,  2. 

Bev.  William  E.,  27,  139, 162. 
Chapman,  Jonathan,  163. 
Charlestown,  42. 
Chelsea,  233,  235,  236,  238. 

amount  of  county  tax  paid  by, 

236. 
Selectmen  of,  221,  224. 
Cheverus,  M.  Rev.  John,  162. 
Chief  executive,  appointment  of,  by  gov- 
ernor, 40. 
Child,  David  W.,  115,  142,  1,53,  162,  173, 
200,  251. 
John  R.,  202. 
Joshua,  142. 
Children,  cost  of  educating,  168. 

money  for  education  of  ,124, 125. 
petition  to  establish  school  for 
those  under  seven,  100. 

report  of 
commi  t- 
t  e  e  on, 
105. 
schools  for,  125. 

under  seven  years  not  attend- 
ing school,  124. 


Christie,  Thomas,  2, 3,  6,  51, 67, 94, 112, 136, 

1(4. 
Church,    New    South,   passageway    re- 
quested by  proprietors  of,  4. 
Churches,  Old  South,  16,   37,  63,  90,  lOS, 

132,  156. 
City  authorities,  272. 
City  of  Boston,  45,  46,  256,  257,  261. 

charter,  act  of  Legislature  granting, 
265. 
vote  for,  265. 
council,  256,  257,  260. 
duties  of,  258. 
powers  of,  258,  259. 
public  meeting  of,  2.58. 
to  publish  annual  statement 
of  public  moneys,  259. 
Cities,  southern,  80. 
City  government,  2.54,  255,  256,  260,  261. 
bill  relative  to,  261. 
plan  of,  257. 
proposed,  38,  39. 
report    of   committee, 

254,  255,  256. 
votes  for  resolves  rel- 
ative to,  263. 
officers,  nominations  of,  259. 
rejection  of,  259. 
salary  of,  259. 
organization,  271. 
property,  44. 

council  to  publish  annual 
statement  of,  259. 
treasurer,  choice  of,  258. 

how  chosen,  259. 
treasury,  2,59. 
Civil  rights,  "89. 
suits,  260. 
Claim  against  estate  of  Thomas  Boylston, 
84. 
of  David  Hinckley,  145. 
Luther  ElUs,  145. 
Clapp  (Clap),  Joshua,  72, 116. 
Thadius,  163. 
Timothy  M.,  116.      . 
Clark,  Benjamin,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94,  95,  112, 
136,  137,  174. 
John,  143. 
N.,  176. 
Samuel,  176. 

Thomas,  1,  16,  24,  36,  37,  49,  62,  65, 
79,  90,  93,  104,  108,  110,  131,  132, 
134,  138,  143,  154,  155,  1.56,  157, 158, 
160,  164,  165, 166,  172,  173,  178,  181, 
182, 199,  201,  202,  223,  263,  264,  265, 
266,  274,  276. 
Cleasby,  John,  203. 

Clerk,  Board  of  Aldermen,  choice  of,  257. 
of  market,  additional,  69. 

salary  of,  69,  217. 
police  court,  appointment  of,  48. 
compensation  of,  48. 
duties  of,  48. 
town  treasurer,  conduct  of,  130. 
salary  of,  130. 
Cleveland,  A.  P.,  200. 
Clough,  Ebenezer,   97,  110,  115,  118,  140, 

164,  179,  200,  275. 
Clouston,  William,  2.  26,    51,  67,  94,  112, 

136,  174. 
Coal,  law  relating  to  carrying  in  streets, 

80. 
Cobb,  Enos,  28,  57,  200,  276. 
Gershom,  176. 
Samuel,  6,  28,97,276. 
Cochran,  William,  163. 
Codman,  Henry,  176,  200. 

Stephen,  2,  3,  6,  7,  11,  14, 16,  19, 
22,  25,  30,  32,  36,  50,  53,  58,  59, 
66,  67,  74,  75,  79,  83,  85,  86,  94, 
9,5,  98,  101,  111,  113,  116,  118, 
119,  131,  135,  137,  143,  146,  155, 
161,  174,  175,  201,  205,  214,  223, 
226,  239,  241. 


Index. 


283 


Oodman,  William  P.,  276. 
Coffin,  Dr.  Jonathan  G.,  176. 
George  W.,  200. 
John  G.,  144,  163. 
Peter  159. 
Cogswell.  John,  2,  26,  51,  67. 
Collamore,  Mr.,  133. 
Colton,  John,  136. 
Commission  of  Bankruptcy,  84. 
Commissioners  in  cities,  duties  of,  39. 

for  defence  of  State,  18. 

Committees'  accounts,  to  audit,  3,  7,  8, 11, 

27,  32,  53,  59,  95,  113, 146, 175. 

report  of,  15,  16,  20,  21,  31,  32, 

36,37,38,50,53,59,63, 

68,  74,  79,   80,  83,   86, 

99,    100,101,  105,  106, 

108, 118,  119,  122,  124, 

129, 130,  132,  133,   144, 

145,  146,  153,  154,   155, 

158,  167,  168,  172,   175, 

177,  178, 183,  184,   194, 

201,  204,  206,  207,   224, 

227,  231,  235,  241,  252, 

254,  267. 

rejection  of,  55. 

municipal    government,    32, 

255,  256. 
from  wards,  144,  254. 

relative  to  new 
school  for  chil- 
dren, 124. 
relative  to  peti- 
tion of  Benja- 
m  i  n       H  u  m- 
phries,  171. 
to  receive  and  count  votes,  15, 
24,  99,  109,  110, 133,   134,   157, 
159,  175,  256. 
finance,  8, 10, 12,  75,  77,  99, 101, 
113,  118, 119,  130,  145, 
204,  206,  207,  236,  238. 
to  report  on  salary  of 
town  treasurer,  127. 
choose  county  treas- 
urer proposed,  236. 
town   treasurer,  to  examine 

bonds  of,  133. 
administration     of  town  and 

county,  241,  254. 
relative  to  imiting  offices  of 
town  and  county 
treasurer,  235. 
health  of  town,  55. 
town  boundaries,  to  fix,  252. 
taxes,  to  consider  assessing 
of,  227. 
delinquency  of  collec- 
tor, 20. 
School.    {See  School.) 
on  petition  for  new  schools, 

79, 
visit  of  President,  86. 
market,  to  enlarge,  96. 
South  Boston,  to  superintend 
municipal  concerns  of,  176. 
burial-ground  for  South  Bos- 
ton, 114. 
for  South  Bos- 
ton,  to    pur- 
chase     land, 
123. 
on  pound  for  South  Boston, 

78. 
orator,  to  provide    for   July 
Fourth,  16, 63, 90, 108, 
132,  219,  223. 
petition  relative  to  carts  and 
trucks, 
73. 
workhouse, 

177. 
buildings, 
204. 


Committees,  petition  of  William  Bigelow, 
13,  20. 
Joseph  Field,  16, 
David    Gre  en- 
ough, 95, 128. 
Isaac   P.   Davis, 

144. 
Joaiah  Jones,  203, 

204. 
inhabitants,  52,  53. 
to  dispose  of  land  on  Ivers 
and  Portland  sts.,  96. 
ascertain    amount   of  out- 
standing taxes,  11,  20. 
consider  responsibility  of 

bondsmen,  15,  91,  109. 
waitonBenj.  VVlutwell,  16. 
confer  with  board  of  health, 
53. 
hackney  coaches,  removal  of, 

from  streets,  203. 
court,  general,  53. 
to   petition    legislature,   238, 

266. 

Court  of  Sessions,  expenses 

of,  220. 

abolish- 

m  e  n  t 

of,  234. 

mill  pond,  251. 

House  of  Industry,  to  select 
site  f  or, 

193. 
erecting 
of,  241. 
to  prepare 
system 
of  man- 
age- 
m  e  n  t 
of, 

272,  273. 
filling  va- 
cancies 
in,  203. 
to  make 
use   of 
able- 
bodied 
poor, 
273. 
sub.report 
of,  195. 
Common,  the,  258, 

repairs  of  the,  107. 
town  buildings  near,  194. 
council,  257,  259,  261. 
clerk  of ,  257. 
powers  of,  258,  259. 
president  of,  257. 
councilmen,  choice  of,  257. 
prison,useof  as  workhouse,  196. 
Commonwealth,  the,  5,  9,  10, 15, 17, 19,  22, 
23,  39,  47,   50,  64,  65,  66, 
68,  92,  94,    96,  109,  110, 
111,  127,    148,   157,    176, 
179,184,185,210,219,260. 
amount  due  the,  147,  213. 
convention  for  revising 
constitution     of,    160, 
181. 
laws   dividing  into  dis- 
tricts, 5,  114,  274. 
of,  relative  to  elec- 
tion   of    repre- 
sentatives, 6,  29. 
law  of,  relative  to  House 
of    Cor- 
rection, 
196. 
to  qualifl- 
cation 
of   vot- 
ers, 117. 


284 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Comnionwealth,  law   of,   relative   to 

schools,  i6,  136. 

secretary  of,  6,  29,  57,  72, 

98,116,140,157,165,166, 

181,  236,  276. 

Communication  from  board  of  health,  113. 

justices  of  Court  of 

Sessions,  123. 
Ward  N.  Boylston, 
74. 
Congress,  92,  109,  110, 164,  165,  166. 
Constables,  17,  232,  233,  237,  239. 

appropriation  for,  240. 
distribution  of  estimates  by, 

106. 
method  of  choosing,  47. 
return  of  warrants  by,  47. 
Constitution  or  frame  of  government,  5, 
6,  27,  29,  32,  42,  46,  47,  55,56, 
57,64,71,73,96,98,114,117, 
138,  178,  196,   199,  254,   259, 
274. 
amendments  to,  181. 

votes  on,  181. 
convention  to  alter,  dele- 
gates to,  1.57. 
change,  160. 
proposed  change  in,  39, 181. 
Contract  with  Mr.  Boylston,  85. 
Convention  to  alter  constitution  of  Com- 
monwealth, 160, 181. 

delegates  to, 
157, 181. 
choose  city  treasurer,  2.58. 
county    treasurer, 
206,  226. 
Cook,  I.,  163. 

Zebedee,  116. 
Zebedee,  Jr.,  138,  163. 
Coolidge,  Joseph,  140, 142, 161, 173,  201,203. 
Joseph,  Jr.,  2, 22, 24,  25, 49, 64, 65, 

93,109,111,116,117,  135,141. 
J.,  180. 

Mr.,  133, 157,  158, 159. 
Copeland,  Elisha,  12. 

Seth,  200,  203. 
Copp's  Hill  gun-house,  removal  of,  1.54. 
Cordis,  Thomas,  200. 
Cornhill,  155. 
Coroners,  239,  240. 

Corporations,  Boston  and  Roxbury  Mill, 
application  of,  138. 

report  of  committee  on 
petition  of,  144. 
Dock  Square,  127. 
exemption  from  taxes,  229. 
organization  of,  43. 
Cotter,  John,  117. 
Getting,  Jeremiah,  144. 
Uriah,  120, 149. 
Cotton,  John,  48,  58,  74,  98,  142,  143,  161, 

199,  254,  275. 
Councillors,  choice  of,  5,  97,  115,  139,  179, 
275. 
constitution  relative  to  elec- 
tion of,  114, 138,  178,  274. 
County.     (.See  Suffolk.) 
of  E;s8ex,236. 
Middlesex,  236. 
Courts,  County,  263. 

judges  of,  263. 
money  expended  by,  232, 
233. 
Common  Pleas,  40,  54,  239. 

jurisdiction  of,262. 
foreign,  84. 

General,  23,  38,  45,  64,  92,  98,  109, 
127,128,164,165,196,254, 
255,256,261. 
act  of,  relative  to  choice 
of  president  and  vice- 
president,  165. 
acts  of,  relative  to  work- 
house, 196. 


Courts,  General,  representatives  to,  160, 
199,  260. 
House,  allowance  of  keeper,  240. 
jurisdiction  of,  54. 
jurors  for,  78,  153. 
Municipal,  40,  240. 

judge  of,  62,  239. 
salary  of  judge,  13,  36, 
62,  79,    104,   131,    153, 
202,  217,  232. 
new,  appointment  of  justices,  239. 
criminal,  proposed,  235. 
duties  of,  2.39. 
powers  of,  239. 
salary  of  justices,  239. 
Police,  40,  41,  47,  256,  261 

choice  of  justices,  47. 
compensation  of  clerk,  48. 
justices, 
48. 
duties  of  clerk,  48. 
justices  of,  268. 
justices  of   the  peace    as 

members  of,  40. 
powers  of,  40. 
records  of  proceedings  to 

be  kept  by  clerk,  48. 
sessions  of,  47. 
selection  of  justices  of,  48. 
of  Sessions,  70, 196,  234,  239,  240. 
abolishing  of,  261. 
accounts  of,  239. 
to    apportion  county 

tax,  227. 
approval    of    by-law 

by,  81, 167. 
bill  to  abolish,  262. 
clerk  of,  236. 
communication  from, 

123. 

committee  relative  to 

modification  or 

abolishment  of,  234. 

estimate     of    county 

tax  by,  107,  237. 
granting  of   licenses 

by,  234. 
justices  of,  70, 167. 
legislative    authority 
relative  to  accounts 
of,  238. 
modification  or  abol- 
ishment of,  234. 
money  borrowed  by, 
238. 
received   and 
disbursed 
by,  231. 
petition    to    abolish, 

238. 
report   of   committee 
on    application    of, 
231. 
report   of   committee 
on  expenses  of,  231. 
return  of  annual  ex- 
pense ac- 
count   to 
legisla- 
ture, 287. 
expen  ses 
of,  236. 
Selectmen  to  assume 

powers  of,  262. 
statement  of  expenses 

of,  220. 
transfer    of    powers 
and     authority   of, 
47. 
transfer  of  functions 
of,  262,  263. 
Supreme,  53. 

judicial,  239,  240. 
Crime,  protection  against,  239. 


Index. 


285 


Criminal  bills,  240. 

business,  47. 

records  of,  48. 
jurisdiction,  '232. 

saving  in  expense 
of,  234. 
prosecutions,  235. 
prosecution,  abuses  existing  in, 

23(3. 
suits,  11,  260. 

trials,  by  Board  of  Magistrates, 
262. 
Criminals,  detection  of,  239. 

expenses  for  keep  of,  240. 
Crocker,  A.,  48. 
Crosby,  Walter,  17. 
Crownin shield,  Benjamin  W.,  96, 114, 115, 

166. 
Cruft,  Edward,  2,  25,  50,  66,  116,  200. 
Cullers  of  flsh,  choice  of,  51,  59,  67,  95, 112, 
137. 
hoops  and  staves,  51, 67,  94, 112, 
136,  174. 
Cunningham,  Andrew,  2,  25,  50,  66, 94, 112. 
Curtis,  Alfred,  142. 
C.  P.,  201. 

Nathaniel,  2,  7,  25,  30,  50,  58,  66,  94, 
98,  112,  118,  135,  143,  163,  174,  ISO. 
Neddy,  3,  12,  27,  30,  51,  67,  95, 113. 
Cushing,  E.,  162. 

Thomas,  72. 
Cushman,  H.  L.,  200. 
Cyecy,  Cyrus,  201. 

Dale,  Mr.,  252,  253. 

Dall,  William,  30,  58,  78,  99, 121, 143, 183. 

Dam,  Leader,  176. 

Dame,  Levi,  166. 

Danforth,  Samuel,  163. 

Darricott,   George,  57,  133,  143,  171,  174, 

251,  254,  275. 
Davis,  Charles,  2,  7, 25,  28,  30,  49,  58,  66,  74, 
93,  97,  111,117,140,  143. 
Daniel,  161, 171. 
Henry,  273. 
Isaac,  116, 144. 
J.,  200. 

James,  118,  174,  200,  254. 
John,  161. 

Joshua,  12,  30,  58,  66,  78,  94,  95,  99, 
112,  121,  135, 143,  174,  182,  200,  203. 
Mr.,  109,  158,  159. 
Thomas,  163. 
Dawes,  Thomas,  12,  13,  17,  30,  58,  62,  78, 

79,  99,  104, 121,  131,  143,  153,  161,  202. 
Dean,  Bev.  Paul,  57,  110,  138, 161,  176,  200. 

Thomas,  114,  200. 
Dearborn,  (?e»i.,  87. 

Henry,  5,  28,  56,  71,  96,  97, 115, 
118,  139,  141, 161,  165, 166, 179, 
200,  275. 
Henry  A.  S.,  56,  72,  275. 
N.,  200. 
Debit  and  credit,  4,  9,  10,  21,  33,  66, 151, 

152,  216. 
Deeds,  choice  of  register,  50,  173, 175,  258. 
to  town  land  in  Maine,  133. 
property,  46. 
Deer  Island,  for  almshouse,  190. 

rent  of,  213. 
Dedham,  Inspection  of  militia  at,  38. 
Degrand  (Dagrand),  P.  P.  B.,  118,  180. 

P.F.,72. 
Dehon,  William,  115,  200. 
Delegates,  choice  of,  by  wards,  45. 

to  convention  to  revise  consti- 
tution of  Commonwealth, 
157,  160, 181. 
superintending  board,  41. 
Denflie,  Thomas,  163,  200. 
Dexter,  Dr.  Aaron,  2,  25,  49,  66,  93,  111, 

136, 162,  176. 
Dexter,  Franklin,  132, 143. 

Holbrook  &  Co.,  275. 


Dexter,  Samuel,  5,  28,  56, 116. 

Disease,  contagious,  board  of  health  to 

isolate,  54. 
Dock.     (SeeTown.) 
Dock  Square  Corporation,  127. 

erection  of 
buildings 
by,  127. 
erection  of  buildings  near, 

127. 
sale  of  produce  in,  69. 
Doggett,  Noah,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94,  112,  136,  174. 
Dommett,  C.  M.,  ISO,  200. 
Donation  of  Mrs.  Brooker,  60, 102, 120,  218. 
Boylston,  120. 

publishing    receipts 
of,  107. 
Franklin,  publishing   receipts 
of,  107. 
Donnison,  William,  16.',  200,  212,  240. 
Dorchester,  252. 

point,  244. 
Dorr,  Andrew  C,  159. 

John,  142,  143, 167,  178. 
Mr.,  108,  132, 133. 
Samuel,  65,  93,  111,  117,  142, 163. 
Dow,  A.  B.  C,  275. 
Josiah,  sr,  72. 
Drafts,  board  of  health,  208,  210. 

overseers  of  poor,  9,  60,  76,  148, 

150, 151,  208,  210,  213,  216,  218. 
selectmen,  9,  60,  76,  120,  148,  150, 
151,  208,  210,  213,  216,  218. 
Drain  under  Merchant's  Hall,  injury  to, 
177. 
owners  to 
keep   in 
r  e  p  a  ir, 
177. 
petition 
relati  v  e 
to,  177. 
Draper,  Horace,  116. 
Lorenzo,  72. 
Draw  under  Merchant's  Hall,  petition  to 

close,  167. 
Drayton,  Jonathan,  200. 
Drew,  Job,  118. 
Drunkards,  195. 
Drunkenness,  relief  from,  271. 
Dunlap,  A.,  180,200. 
Dunn,  Samuel,  7,  30. 
Dunton,  Daniel,  110,  143. 
Dupee,  Isaac,  140. 
Dutton,  Warren,  141,  161,  275. 
Dwight,  JRev.,  160. 

Sereno  E.,  141, 162. 
Dyer,  John,  116, 142, 180. 

Eastman,  Luke,  200. 

Eaton,  Joseph,  98,163. 

J.,  180. 

Bev.,  96,  140, 162. 
Thomas,  162. 
Eayres  (Eyers),  Joshua,  275. 

Moses,  Jr.,  3,  51,  67,  94, 
112,  136. 
Education,  mode  of,  169. 

system  of,  26,  49,  66,  94. 

amendments 

needed  to,  168. 
extent  of,  168. 
evils  of  the,  16S. 
school     committee 
authorized  to 
carry    out,    111, 
136, 176. 
time  required  for  elementary, 
168. 
Electors,  choice  of,  166. 
Elliot  (Eliot),  Ephraim,  2,  22,  25. 
Ellis,  David,  164,  165,  200. 

Luther,  145. 
Ellison,  James,  118. 


286 


GiTY  Document  No.  128. 


Ellison,  Samuel,  174. 

William,  3,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94, 95, 112, 

113, 136. 
William,  Jr.,  2,  26,  51. 
Emery,  Jonathan,  Jr.,  118. 
Emmerson,  Romanus,  12,  78,  99,  113,  137, 

174. 
EmmonB,  Henry,  143,  200,  275. 

Samuel,  3,  26,  51,  67,  95, 113,  137, 

175. 
William,  275. 
Engine-hoiise  in  connection  with  school- 
house,  274. 
Ena:land,  84,  184, 191. 

Eualish  grammar  schools.    {See  Schools.) 
Estates,  appraising  of,  by  assessors,  228. 
Thomas  Boylston,  83. 

administra- 
tor of,  86. 
taxes  on  mortgaged,  227,  228. 
personal,   petition    relative    to 
method  of  valuing, 
172. 
publishing  list  of,  264. 
real,  puhlishing  list  of,  264. 
Estimate  of  county  taxes,  by  court  of  ses- 
sions, 107,  237. 
Europe,  42. 
European  nations,  42. 
Eustls,  Jacob,  274. 
Joseph,  141. 

William,  5,  114,  115,  116,  118, 139, 
179,  180,274. 
Evarts,  Jeremiah,  140, 141, 163. 

J.,  180. 
Everett,  Alexander,  29,  97, 110. 
Otis,  142,201. 
Samuel,  29. 
Expenses,  control  of,  43. 
county,  236. 

current,  139. 

report  of  committee, 

231. 
saving  in,  237. 
waste  in,  232. 
current,  of  overseers  of  poor, 
120. 
board  of  health,  120. 
of  county,  139. 

selectmen,  120. 
tax  for,  121,  219. 
of  town,  103,201. 
of  Almshouse,  186. 

criminal  iurisdiction,  234. 
dieting  prisoners,  236. 
drain   under  M er chant's 

Hall,  177. 
ensuing  year,  106,  152,  217. 
building  House  of  Industry, 

246,  247,  248. 
Marblehead  almshouse,  185. 
Salem  almshouse,  185. 
public,  committee  to  ascertain 

method  of  improving,  107. 
repairs  of  streets,  31. 

Fairbanks,  Gerry,  72,163,  200,  254,  275. 
Stephen,  274. 
S.,  200. 
rales,  Samuel,  200. 

William  A.,  72. 
Faneuil  Hall,  1,  5,  6,  7,  1.5, 16, 17, 19,  23,  27, 
29,  30,  32,  36,  37,  38,  49,  57, 
58,  63,  64,  65,  71,  72,  73,  74, 
86,  90,  91,  92,  96, 98, 99, 108, 
109,  no,  114,  116,  118,127, 
132,  134,  138,  140,  143, 156, 
160,  164,   165,  166,  172,  178, 
181,  182,  199,201,220,221, 
223,  224,  256,  263,  264,  265, 
267,  274. 
Market.    (See  Market.) 
rent  of,  212. 


Faneuil  Hall,  rent  of  cellars  under,  150, 
209. 
Stalls  in,  209. 

under,  150. 
Farley,  Ebenezer,  73,  81,  93. 
Farnham  (Farnam,  Farnum),  Henry,  111, 
171,254. 
Mr.,  108. 
Faxon,  Richard,  7,  30,  58, 143. 
Fay,  Heman,  203,  204. 
Fees.    (See  Salaries  and  Allowances.) 

of  office,  committee  to  form  table 
of,  182. 
Felton,  William  P.,  140. 
Fence  viewers,  choice  of,  3, 12,  26,  51,  67, 

78  95  99   113  137  174. 
Fennelly',  Robert,  135,  157,  158,  159,  163, 

173,  200. 
Field,  Deacon  .Joseph,  4, 13. 
Field-drivera,  144, 175,  203. 

petition  to  increase  allow- 
ances of,  202. 
Finance,  committee;on,;8,  10,  12,  58,  101, 
119,  146,  207,  228. 
plans,  43. 
Fines,  4,  14,  107,  209. 

collected  by  police  officers,  212. 
for  failure  to  remove  snow  from 

sidewalks,  167. 
relative  to  offences  in  market,  70. 
Firewards,  47,  122, 136, 1.50, 198. 

choice  of,  2,  25,  50,  58,  66,  94, 
107,  112, 121,  128, 135, 143, 174, 
182. 
how  chosen,  259. 
increase  in  number  of,  121. 
resignation  of,  107, 121. 
salary  of  messenger,  217. 
secretary,  217. 
Fish,  choice  of  cullers  of,  3,  26,  51,  59,  67, 
95,  112,  137,  174, 175. 
stall  on  North  street,  rent  of,  213. 
Fisher,  Nathaniel,  72. 
Fitch,  Amos,  143,  163, 166. 

Jeremiah,  97,  116,  118,  134,  135,  143, 

173, 174. 
John,  97,  i:6,  143. 
Mr.,  109,  133,  167. 
Foreigners,  42. 
Forfeitures,  107. 

Fort  Hill,  Boylston  School  at,  253.. 
Fortune  tellers,  196. 
Foster,  James,  24, 118, 176. 
Joseph,  50, 142. 
William,  72,  163. 
William,  Jr.,  161,  176. 
Fox,  John,  118.142,200. 
Francis,  Ebenezer,  142, 162, 198. 
Franklin  donation,  publishing  of  receipts 

from,  107. 
Freeman,  liev.  James,  161. 
Freemasons,  application  of,  for  lease  of 
rooms  in  Old  State  House, 
145. 
lease  of  rooms  in  Old  State 
House  to,  138, 154,  155. 
French,  Benjamin,  204. 

Benjamin  J.,  274. 
B.  v.,  180. 

John,  58,  74, 117,  251. 
Frothingham,  Ebenezer,  142. 
George,  142. 
J.,  162. 
Ber.  Nathaniel  L.,  49,  111, 

114,  144,  165,  167,  176. 
Samuel,  275. 
Fuel  for  schools,  125. 
Fuller,  Abraham  W.,  14,  22,  .57,  163. 

Henry  H.,  142,  163,  182,  200.     , 
Funeral  processions,  13. 

Gale,  William,  140,  142, 163,  200. 
GalliBon,  John,  162. 


Index. 


287 


Gamage.N.,  180. 
Gardner,  J.  S.  J.,  163. 
Rev.,  29. 

Samuel  P.,  139, 163. 
Simeon,  97. 
Simon,  197,275. 
S.,  118, 180. 
Gassell,  Henry,  275. 
Gerry,  Elbridge,  162. 
Gill,  Mr.,  84. 
Glover,  Nathaniel,  2,  26,  51,  67,  94,  112, 

136,  174. 
Goal,  198. 

allowance  to  physician  of,  240. 
power  over  to  be  assumed  by  new 
court,  239. 
Goalcrs,  239. 
Goddard,  Nathaniel,  98, 113, 115, 139,  163. 

Thachor,  7,  30,  58,  142. 
Goodman,  Horace  H.,  200. 
Gooduow,  S.,180. 
Goodrich,  H.,  72. 

Goodwin,  Ozias,  2,  22,  25,  49,  65,  91,  93. 
Gore,  Jeremiah,  200. 

Gorhani,  Benjamin,  7,  30,  58,  74, 97,  98, 115, 
139,  144, 164, 166. 
S.,  212. 
Gould,  Abraham,  176. 
Government,  City,  254,  256.  " 

Municipal,  40. 

committee  rela- 
tive to,  254. 
proposed  alter- 
ations in,  44. 
report  of  com- 
mittee on,  255. 
system  of,  32. 
national,  protection  by,  18. 
of  schools,  26,  94,  136,  176. 
town  and  Citv  of  Boston, 
a  bill  for,  45. 
Governor,  18, 19,  27,  92,  98. 

and   Lieut.-Governor,   choice 
of,  5,  28,  56,  71,  96,   115,  139, 
179. 
Grafton,  .Joseph,  142, 143. 
Grand   Lodge   of    Massachusetts.     {See 

Freemasons.) 
Grant,  Moses,  143. 
Gray,  Edward,  97. 

Francis  C,  108, 118, 141, 163, 199,  276. 
Horace,  162. 
John,  97. 
Joshua,  200. 
Sylvester,  28. 

William,  5,  28,  56,  57,  71,  86,  97, 115, 
118,  139, 142,  161,  162,  166,  179,  200, 
275 
William  K.,  141,  162. 
Greary,  Oliver,  122. 
Great  Britain,  85. 
Green,  Gardner,  163. 

William,  8,  26,  51,  67,  94,  112,  136, 
174. 
Greene,  Charles  W.,  58. 
Greenough,  David,  4,  95,  99,  104,  106,  116, 

127, 128. 
Greenwood,  Benjamin  R.,  139. 

Rev.,  110. 
Grosvenor,  Lemuel  P.,  176. 
Gun-house,  land  of,  to  be  used  for  build- 
ing tombs,  178. 
money  for  removal  of,  54. 
new,  petition  town  to  assist 
in  building,  178. 
proceeds  of  land  to  go 
toward  building,  178. 
Gunpowder  laws,  150. 

use  of  money  obtained   by 
forfeiture  of,  198. 


Hackney  carriages,  committee   relative 
to,  204. 


Hackney    carriages   in   streets,  petition 
relative   to  re- 
moval of,  203,  224. 
licenses,  150. 
money  received  for 

licenses,  212. 
selectmen   to  regu- 
late, 204. 
Hale,  David,  143,  162. 
D.,  Jr.,  142. 
Nathan,  141, 161. 
Hall,  Ephraim,  171, 172. 
Henry,  163. 
Jacob,  25,  36,  49,  65,  93,  111,  142,  163, 

174,  275. 
Joseph,  6,  28,  135, 161. 

Jr.,  141. 
J.,  Jr.,  180. 
Mr.,  133,  157, 158,  159. 
Nathan,  117. 
Hallett,  George,  97,  116,  118,  141,  161,  172, 

200,  220. 
Hammatt,  Charles,  136, 176,  205,  207. 
Mr.,  159. 

William,  7,  12,  30,  58,  78,  99. 
William  J.,  3,  26,  51,  67,  95. 
Hammond,  Samuel,  110. 
Thomas,  182. 
Hancock,  John,  120, 151,  211,  216. 
Hand-bills,  publishing  of  accounts  on,  46. 
Harbor,  expediency  of  defense  for,  18. 
Harris,  Benjamin,  67,  94,  112,  136. 
Isaac,  121,  135,  163, 174. 
Joseph,  144. 
J.,  180. 
J.  D.,  163. 
Leach,  162,  203. 
Richard  H.,  72. 

William,  2,  7,  25,  30,  60,  58,  66,  94, 
112,  114,  122,  203. 
Hart,  Edmund,  24,  50. 
Hartshorn,  Harvey  116. 

Roland,  137, 163, 174. 
Harvard  College,  129. 
Haskell,  Levi,  116. 
Haskins,  Ralph,  149. 
Hastings,  George,  162. 
Samuel,  162. 
Hathaway,  John,  118. 
Haven,  Joseph,  200. 
Hawkes,  Ezra,  274. 
Hay  scales,  150. 

rent  of,  209,  213. 
Hay  wards  choice  of,  3,  12,  26,  51,  67,  95, 
107, 113,  122, 128,  137,  144,  175. 
Haywood,  Caleb,  12,  31,  52, 110. 
Head,  Joseph,  97,  115, 163. 
Heard,  John,  2,  66. 

Jr.,  25,  49. 
Hemp,  choice  of  surveyors,  3,  26,  51,  67, 

95  113   137 
Henshaw,' David,  118, 143, 162,  200. 
Hewins,  Abel,  12,  78,  99, 113, 1.37, 174. 
Hichborn  (Hitchborn),  Mr.,  109. 

Samuel,  12,  30,  52,  142, 163. 
Jr.,  135,  174,  200. 
Hicks,  John  C,  116. 
Higgins,  David,  176. 

Highways,  choice  of  surveyors,  3,  27,  47, 
52,  67,  95,  113, 137,  175. 
labor  of  paupers  on,  185. 
Hiler,  Jacob,  24. 
Hill,  Aaron,  29,  87,  97, 142, 162,  200. 

David,  275. 
Hinckley,  David,  145. 
llogreeves,  choice  of,  3,  26,  30,  51,  67,  95, 

107, 113,  122,  12S,  137, 144,  203. 
Holbrook,  Dexter  &  Co.,  275. 
Holley,  Rev.  Horace,  2,  25,  28,  49,  66,  73, 

93,  111. 
Holt,  Thomas,  200. 
Homer,  B.,  276. 

Eleazer,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94,  112, 136, 
174. 


288 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Homer,  G.  J.,  200. 
Heury,  97. 

Michael,  27,  67,  95,  113, 137,  175. 
Richard,  3. 
William,  200. 
Homes  (Holmes),  Barzillia,  52,  55,  114, 
117,  121,  142,  143, 163, 
182,  200. 
H.,  143. 
John,  5,  28,  56. 
Mr.,  157,  158, 159. 
Samuel,  12. 
William,  48. 
Hood,  Charles,  118, 162, 166,  200. 
Hooper,  S.,  200. 
Hoops  and  Staves,  choice  of  cullers,  8,  26, 

51,  67,  94,  112,  136,  174. 
Horses,  fine  for  cruelty  to,  83. 

suppression  of  cruelty  to,  81. 
Hospitals,  bequest  for  building  of,  78. 

removal  of  cases  of  contagious 

disease  to,  54. 
Massachusetts  General,  78. 
House  of  Correction.       (See     House    of 
Industry,  Workhouse,  Alms- 
house.) 
Industry.  (See  Woikhou  se  , 
Almshouse.) 
184,  193,  242,  243,  247, 

251,  270,  271,  272. 
appropriation,     194, 

246,  251,  267,  272. 
arrangements      for 
management      o  f , 
272. 
barn   in  connection 

with,  268. 
building  for,  193, 245, 

267. 
clioice  of  site,  244. 
committee  author- 
ized  to 
buy 
land 
for, 
193. 
to  prepare 
s  y  e- 
tem  of 
m  a  n- 
a  g  e- 
ment, 
273. 
select 
site 
f  o  r, 
193. 
va  c  a  n  c  y 
in,  203. 
discipline  in,  272, 273. 
erection  of,  commit- 
tee report,  241. 
expense     of,     addi- 
tional, 248, 
267,  269. 
of  building 
246,247,248. 
financial  report,  273. 
objects  of,  270,  271. 
overseer  of,  271,  272. 
petition  to  establish, 

270. 
power    of   court   to 

commit  to,  239. 
publishing  report  of 
committee  of,  251, 
273. 
religious  instruction 

for  inmates,  271. 
report  of  committee 

relative  to,  267. 
situation  of,  248. 
superintendent     of, 
247. 


House  of  Industry,  superintendence    of 
land  of,  271,  272. 
whart  of,  247,  269. 
on  Union  street,  rent  of,  150,  218. 
Howard,  John  D.,  7, 12,  30,  58,  74. 

Jonathan,  118,  275. 
Howe,  Abraham  F.,  92. 

John,  30,  58,  74,  98,  121,  127,  200. 
John,  Jr.,  2,  26,  51,  67,  94,  95,  112, 

113, 136, 137,  174. 
John  N.,  116, 142. 
Jonathan,  200. 
Joseph  N.,  48,  72,  97,  213. 
Joseph  W.,  118. 
J.,  180. 
Nathaniel,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94,  95, 112, 

136,  174. 
Eichard  S.,  72. 
Samuel  H.,  163. 
Thomas,  113,  114,  137,  163,  177, 180, 

198,  251,270. 
William,  121, 135, 174. 
Hubbard,  Samuel,  74,  95,  97,  14C,  141, 160, 

161,  179,200,  275. 
Humphry  (Humphries),  Benjamin,  171, 

183. 
Hunnewell,  Benjamin,  140. 

Jonathan,  1,  2,  7, 15,  24, 25,  28, 
37,  38,  49,  50,  56,  64,  65,  66,  71, 
91,  93,   94,  97,   109,   110,  112, 
115,   133,    139,   159,   161,  171, 
179  251  275 
Hunt,  Matthew  M.,  142,  180. 
Nathaniel  P.,  97, 116. 
Hunting  A.,  148, 151,  211,  217. 

Jabez,  120,  148,  149,  151,  208,  211, 

217. 
J.  and  A.,  217. 
Thomas,  148. 
Huntington,  Benjamin,  162. 

Hev.  Joshua,  6,  55,  66,  93,  111. 
Hurd,  John,  163. 

Idle  persons,  care  of,  270,  271. 
Idle  and  disorderly  persons,  195. 
Independence    Day,  celebration    of,    16, 

63,  90,  108,  132, 156,  219,  223. 
Industry,  promotion  of,  44. 
Ingalls,  I.,  176. 

Dr.  William,  28,  56,  71,  97,  115, 
139,  142,  161, 166,  179,  200,  275. 
Inhabitants,  5,  6,  7,  9, 10,  15, 16, 17,  19,  23, 
24,27,  29,  30,  32,  35,  37,38, 
41,  42,  43,  44,  45,  46,  48,  49, 
57,  58,  62,  63,  64,  65,  68,  70, 
71,  73,  74,  75,  77,  78,  79,  84, 
86,  90,  91,  92,  98,  99,  102,  105, 
106,  107,  109,  110,  114,   116, 
117,  118,  119,  121,    122,  123, 
127,  128,   132,  134,  135,   138, 
140,  143,  144,  152,  153,  156, 
160,  161,   164,  165,  166,  172, 
173,  175,  177,  178,    179,  181, 
182,  183,   191,  199,  201,  205, 
207,  217,   221,  223,  226,  227, 
228,  229,   230,  231,  236,  251, 
252,  254,  255,   256,  260,  261, 
263,  264,  265,  267,  274. 
evading  of  taxes  by,  229. 
distribution  of  committee  re- 
port among,  46,  99, 100. 
petition  of  numljer  of,  32,  38, 

52,  53,  72,  91,  105,  106,  220. 
unequal  taxation  of,  229. 
Inspectors  of  lime.     (See  Lime.) 

markets.     (See  Markets.) 
Institutions,  taxation  of,  229,  230. 
Insurance  companies,  42. 
Intendant,  The,  42,  45,  46. 

to  be  chairman  of  Selectmen 
and  school  committee,  45. 
direct  prosecutions,  45. 
have  care  and  management 
of  town  property,  46. 


Index. 


289 


Intendant  to  receive   complaints   of  in- 
dividuals,  45. 
superintend  police,  45. 
death  or  resignation  of,  46. 
power  of,  to  lease  or  sell  prop- 
erty, 46. 
selection  of  justices  of  police 
courts  by,  47. 


Jackson,  Charles,  161,241. 
Daniel,  97. 
Dr.  James,  162. 
ikfr.,  64,  91,133,158,159. 
Patrick,  163,  180. 
Thomas,  100.  112,  117,   134,   135, 
142,  162,  174,  176,  200,  203,  275. 
Jacobs,  David  C,  203. 
Jail  yard,  263. 
James,  Francis,  3,  27,  67,  95,  113,  137,  142, 

175. 
Jarvis,  Benjamin,  116. 
Jenkins,  Joseph,  116, 161,  275. 
Jenks,  Rev.  William,  161. 
Jennings,  William,  140. 
Jewett,  Jonathan,  200. 
Johonnot,  Oliver,  110, 114, 116. 
Jones,  Abraham,  57. 

Edward,  57,  143, 162,  180,  200,  240. 
John  C,  72, 162. 
Joseph,  121, 135, 174,  200. 
Thomas  K.,  6,  57,  72,  116,  142,  162, 
167,  177,  180. 
Joy,  Benjamin,  163. 
Judge  of  probate,  86. 
Judicial  powers  of  chief  executive,  40. 
Judiciary,  authority,  40. 
Jurors,  236,  239,  240. 
list  of,  78. 
grand,  153. 

allowance  to,  240. 
petit,  allowance  to,  240. 
traverse,  153. 
Jury,  jurisdiction  of  trials  by,  263. 
Justices,  county,  47,  48. 
selection  of,  40. 
of  Court  of  Sessions,  231. 

communi- 
cation 
from 
123. 
police  courts,  263. 

compensation 

for,  48. 
selection  of,  47, 
48. 
the  peace,  abuses  of,  237. 

allowance  to,  240. 
authority  of,  237. 

abuse  of, 
40. 
control  of,  237. 
election  of,  by 

wards,  41. 
fees  of,  237. 
lines    and    forfeit- 
ures received  by, 
10. 
new   court    to    as- 
sume powers  of, 
239. 
payment    of,    fees 

of,  237. 
powers  of,  40. 

Keating,  Oliver,  7. 
Kendall,  Edward,  200. 

Thomas,  162. 
Kickshlns,  Ebenezer,  140. 
Kilham,  J.,  143. 

Mr.,  109. 
Kilman,  Mr.,  133. 
KimbaU,  Edmund,  200. 

John,  137, 144, 175. 


King,  Gedney,  2,  12,  25,  50,  56,  58,  66,  71, 

94,  111,  122,  142,  143, 173,  200. 
Kittridge,  Thomas,  97. 
Knapp,  John,  117. 
Josiah,  163. 
Lorenzo,  97. 

Samuel  L.,  Ml,  161,  ISO,   200,   203, 
204,  275. 

Lambert,  Thomas,  3,  26,  51. 
Lamps,  lighting  appropriation,  201. 
of,  207 

compensation  for,  107. 
tax  for,  219. 
Land,  for  burial  ground  in  South  Boston, 
proposed 
purchase 
of,  122,  123. 
South    Boston, 
report  of  com- 
mittee, 130. 
by-law  relative  to  removal  of  snow 

from  walks,  along,  167. 
for  House  of  Industry,  241. 

choice    of, 

244. 
commit  tee 
a  u  t  hor- 
ized  t  o 
pur- 
chase, 
193. 
cost      of, 

244,  267. 

d e sc r  i  p - 

ti  on  of, 

244. 

o  b  j  e  ctions 

to,  244. 
superin- 
tendent 
o  f ,      271, 
272. 
unappro- 
priated 
for,  243. 
to  revert  to  town,  144. 
in  South  Boston,  committee  rela- 
tive to  purchase  of,  123. 
near    South    Boston   bridge,  pro- 
posed purchase  of,  123. 
notes  on,  34,  62, 102. 
on  Neck,  247 

actions   against  heirs  or 

assigns  of,  31. 
cost  of,  245. 
for  almshouse,  192. 
town's,    in    South   Boston,  burial 
ground  on,  122. 
York  Co.,  Me.,  deed  of, 
183. 
near  ropewalk,  rent   of, 

212. 
on  Ivers    and    Portland 
streets,    committee 
to  sell,  96. 
Merrimac  street,  rent 

of,  213. 

the    Keck,    choice   of 

trustees,  78, 

99,       121, 

143, 182. 

rent  of,  190, 

209,  213. 
street        in 
front  of,31. 
Trustees 
empow- 
ered  to 
sell     or 
lease, 
182. 
Prince  street,  rent  of, 
213. 


290 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Land,  town's,  proceeds   to    go  toward 

erecting  new  gun-hoiise,  178. 
Lane,  Frederick  F.,  92, 180. 
Lascivious  persons,  195. 
Latbrop,  .John,  29. 

Rev.,  23. 
Lawrence,  AVilliam,  71,  72,  97, 115, 180. 
Laws,  breach  of,  150. 

'    building,  petition  for  repeal  of,  264, 
265. 
collection  of  taxes  according  to, 

31,  33. 
dividing  state  into  districts,  5,  27, 

96,  114,  274. 
fines  tor  breach  of,  209,  212. 
gunpowder,  150. 
modification  of,  55. 
of  the  Commonwealth,  15,  42. 

relative  to 
authority 
of  board 
of  health, 
122. 
regulating  sale  of  spirits,  234. 

weight  of  bread,  53. 
relative  to   abatement  of    taxes, 
228,  230. 
board  of  health,  54. 
change  in  valuation  of 

estates,  172. 
elections,  1,  23,  29,  49, 

110,  154,  157,  221,  226. 
erection    of   wooden 
buildings,     183,     204, 
205. 
health,  54. 

idle  and  disorderly  per- 
sons, 195. 
jurors,  153. 

obstructing  sldewalks,4. 
payment  of  tees  of  jus- 
tices of  tlie  peace,  237. 
qualification  of  voters, 

117. 
schools,  29, 136. 
town  oflicer8,l,23,49,110. 
Lease  of  Old  State  House  to  Grand  Lodge 
of  Massachusetts,  155. 
rooms  in  Old   State  House  to 
Freemasons,  application  for, 
145. 
Lee,  George  G.,  7,  30,  49,  58. 
Henry,  116, 163. 
John,  116. 
Legislature,  44,  54,  79,  95,  99,  128,  204,  205, 
238,239,261,272. 
acts  Of,  137. 

relative  to  election  of 
town    and    county 
treasurer,  224. 
authority    of,     relative     to 
accounts  of  court  of  ses- 
sions, 238. 
charter  granted  by,  265. 
petition  to,  32,  99, 128, 154, 172, 
202,   221,   230,  238,  264,266. 
power  of,  relative  to  levying 

county  tax,  237. 
{See,  also.  General  Court.) 
Lepean,  John,  116,  200,  275. 
Lerow,  Lewis,  200. 
Lewis,  Asa,  265. 
Henry,  97. 
Joseph,  118. 
Thomas,112, 176,  200. 
Winslow,  17,  114,  121,  135, 16S,  165, 
166,  174,  276. 
Licenses,  granting  of,  234,  262. 
to  auctioneers,  150. 

Hackney  carriagee,  107. 

money 
receiv- 
ed for, 
212. 


Lime,  choice  of  inspectors,  3,  27,  67,  95, 

113,  137, 175. 
Lincoln,  Ensign,  143. 

Heman,  117, 141, 161, 179,  180,  200, 

275. 
Levi,  115, 139, 166,  274. 
Lewis,  166. 
Little,  William,  6,  28,  56,  71,  97,  115,  134, 

142, 161, 166, 180,  200. 
Lloyd,  James,  5,  6,  28,  56,  65,  97, 110, 115, 

118, 140,  163, 180,  200,  275. 
Loans  for  defence  of  town,  19. 
interest  on,  241. 
tax  to  pay  interest  on ,  238. 
Lodge,  Giles,  116. 

Matthew,  116. 
Lombard,  Thomas,  67,  95. 
London,  85,  99. 
Loring,  Benjamin,  200,  274,  276. 

Bradford,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94,  112, 136. 
Caleb,  6,  28,  97,  116,  163. 
Charles-G.,  223. 
C.  57. 

James,  28, 141,  200,  276. 
John  J.,  50. 

Jonathan,  7,  25,  30,  50,  58,  66,  74,  95, 
97,  98,  112,  117,  134,  135, 143,  163, 
173, 174,  200. 
J.,  180. 

Mr.,  133, 158,  159. 
Lovell,  James  S.,  162, 180. 
Loverlng,  John,  142. 

Jonathan,  94. 

Joseph,  1,  2,  24,  25,  50,  65,  66, 
93,  94, 110,  HI,  135, 174, 177, 200, 
251. 
J.,  141. 

Mr.  108, 132, 133. 
Low,  Henry  S.,  97,  116. 
Lowell,  John,  97, 162,  274. 

Rev.  Charles,  2,  5,  25,  49,  66,  93, 
111,  136,  162, 173,  176. 
Lumber.    (See  Boards  and  Shingles.) 

choice  of  surveyors,  3,  26,  94, 

182,  206. 
petition  relative  to  additional 
sui'veyors,  203. 
Lyman,  Theodore",  141, 180. 
'  Jr.,  141, 156,163,  200. 

Mackay,  John,  25,  48,  50,  58,  66,  74,  94,  112, 
135, 174,  176. 
Mr.,  109,  133,  158, 159. 
William,  2,  13,  22,  25,  48,  49,  65, 
72,93,111,118,135,  173. 
Mafia tt,  James  N. ,  274. 
Magistrates,  190, 195,  233,  260. 

Board  of,  261,  262. 
Maine,  town  land  in  state  of,  183. 
Manufacturers,  privileges  to,  44. 
Marblehead,  184. 

Almshouse,  185, 186. 

committee  to 

visit,  185. 
overseers  of,  185. 
expense  of  supporting  pau- 
pers in,  185. 
support  of    paupers,    state- 
ment of,  196. 
Markets,  alterations  in,  100. 
Boylston,  100. 
Clerks  of,  70,  212. 

compensation,  69. 
to  enforce  regulation  of, 
69. 
committee  before  the  Legisla- 
ture, 99. 
on  enlarging,  96. 
to  revise  by-laws  rel- 
ative to,  55,  68. 
report,  69, 106. 
erection  of  buildings  near,  127. 
facility  in  bringing  produce  to, 
68. 


Index. 


291 


Market-house,  publishing  receipts  from, 
107. 
Income  from,  100. 
Inspectors,  choice  of,  12,  30,  52. 
discontinuance  of,  69, 

70. 
powers  of,  55. 
insufficient  limits  of,  68. 
new,  251. 

Injury  to  town  by  erection 

of,  100, 128. 
petition  for,  95. 
report    of    committee   on, 
100. 
offences  against,  68. 
old,  128. 
penalty   for  allowing  offence 

against,  69. 
place,  100. 

places,  pilfering  in,  271. 
proposed  regulations  of,  68,  69. 
prosecutions  for  offences  against, 

68. 
regulation  of  carts  and  sleighs 
in,  69,  70. 
horses  in,  69,  70. 
remedy  of  evils  in,  68. 
rents  of,  62,  69,  70,  77, 100, 121,  150, 

152,  209. 
report  of  inspectors,  68. 
sale  of  produce  in,  70. 
stalls,  conduct  of  occupants,  69. 
streets  leading  to,  70. 
vegetable,  248. 

enlargement  of,  183. 
selectmen  authorized 
to  build,  183. 
Marshall,  Josiah,  52,  55,  ,58,  74,  114,  117, 

163,  167, 178. 
Marston,  John,  176. 
Mason,  Jonathan,  28,  72,  92, 110,  161, 164, 

180,  200. 
May,  H.  K.,  163. 

Joseph,162, 170, 177. 
Mr.  157,  158,  159. 

Samuel,  25,  49,  65,  93,  100,  111,  135, 
137,  171,  173. 
Mayor,  40,  257,  258,  260,  261. 
choice  of,  257. 
compensation  of,  257. 
filling  vacancy  in  place  of,  257. 
nominations  by,  259. 
powers  of,  258,  259. 
McCleary,  Samuel  F.,  138, 140,  162. 
Mcintosh,  Peter,  97. 
McNeill,  Archibald,  142. 
Mechanics,  privileges  to,  44. 

regulation  and  restriction  of, 
47. 
Meeting  House,  Old  South,  37,  63,  90, 118, 

132,  223. 
Melcher,  David,  116. 
Melville,  Thomas,  2,  25,  50,  56,  66,  94,  97, 

111,142,161,174,180,276. 
Merchants  Hall,  177. 

cellar  under,  177. 
draw  under,  167. 
petition  relative  to  drain 
under,  177. 
Merrill,  J.  C,  118, 162. 
Metropolis,  44,  87. 

Military  escort  for  the  President,  87. 
Militia,  18, 150. 

inspection  of,  38. 
provisions  for,  38. 
Mill  Corporation,  Boston  and  Roxbury, 
application  of,  138. 
extension  of  time  for 
completing  work  of, 
•     145. 

report  of  committee  on 
petition  of,  144. 
dam,  petition  to  build,  144. 
improvements,  144. 


Mill  Pond  Corporation,  application   of, 
251. 
proprietors  of,  252. 
rent  of  land  on,  209. 
Oliver,  94,  112, 136,  174. 
William,  174. 
Minchin,  John,  140. 
Minno,  Thomas,  163. 
Minot,  William,  142, 162,  276. 
Moderator,  3,  4, 10, 16,  19,  22,  27,  48, 50,  55, 
66,  70,  73,  79,  83,  87,  94,  96,  111, 
112, 114,  131,  135,  136,  156,  175, 
178,  202,  203,  251,  263. 
choice  of,  1,  7,  17,  24,  30,  32,  37, 
38,  49,  58,  63,  65,  72, 
74,  86,  90,93,  99,  108, 
110,118,127,132,134. 
143,156,167,172,173, 
182,201,223,224,267, 
pro.  tern.,  79,  83, 101, 105. 
Money,  4,  9, 10,  21,  53,  59,  95,  101,  102,  103, 
137,  146, 159,  196, 197,  198,  201,208, 
209,  211,  213,  214,  215,  235,  239. 
borrowed,  22,  78,  104,  238. 

by  Court  of  Sessions. 
238. 
City  Council  authorized  to  appro- 
priate, 258. 
to    publish    annual 
statement  of,  259. 
counterfeit,  148,  208. 
due  banks,  33. 

County  of  Suffolk,  143,  213, 

240. 
on  notes,  33. 
State,  33, 147,  213. 
expended  by  courts,  232,  233. 
for  almshouse,  192. 

House  of  Industry,  194,  243, 

248,  251,  267,272. 
lighting  lamps,  201. 
removing  Gunhouse,  154. 
schools,  13,  90, 106, 124, 125, 153. 
in  banks,  148,  214. 

Town  Treasury,  33,  59,  61,  62, 
75,   76,  102,  120,  121,  146,  151, 
152,  217. 
paid  Bigelow,  William,  20. 
Bradley,  J.,  33. 
for   expense   of   prisoners, 

236. 
jurors,  239,  240. 
on  order  of  County  Agents, 

for  new  prison,  239. 
on  warrants  from  Court  of 

Sessions,  239. 
to  Constables,  239. 

Justices  of  the  Peace,  11. 
Sheriffs,  239. 
witnesses,  240. 
received  and  disbursed  by  Court 
of  Sessions,  231. 
by    courts,    disposition 

of,  239. 
for  fines,  212. 

licenses  of  Hackney 

carriages,  212. 
rent  of  land  on 
Neck,  212. 
Old    State 
House,  212, 
taxe8,33,119, 147, 150, 
207,  208,  210,  213. 
from   clerk  of  market, 
212. 
Justices,  10. 
Mrs.  Brooker's 
donation,  33. 
Town   Treasurer   authorized   to 
borrow,  53,  62,  99,  131,  202. 
Moore,  Abraham,  120, 149,  200. 
Morse,  Elijah,  117. 142, 163,  275. 
Moeely,  David,  142,  143. 
Motley,  Thomas,  117, 128, 143, 163. 


292 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Municipal  Government    (see    Govern- 
ment), 40,  44. 
committee    on, 

254,  256. 
plan  of,  257. 
officers,  publishing  of  salaries 

of,  107. 
court.    ((See  Court.) 
Municipality,  45,  46,  47. 

composition  of  goverpment 

of,  40,  41,  42,  43,  44,  45,  46. 

to     assume    powers    and 

authority     of    Court    of 

Sessions,  47. 

regulation  and  restrictions 

of  occupations  by,  47. 
selection  of  Justices  of  Po- 
lice Courts  by,  47. 
Munroe,  Daniel,  Jr.,  159. 
Edmund,  176. 
Israel,  118. 
James,  90. 
Washington,  136. 
Munson,  Israel,  162. 


Nation,  foreign  and   domestic  relations 

of,  88. 
National  prosperity,  88. 
Newburyport,  105. 
Newell,  Charles,  136. 
New  England  Insurance  office,  9. 
Newspapers,  advertising  call  for  return 
o  f    personal 
property  i  n, 
228. 
notice  relative 
to   choice  of 
town     treas- 
urer and  col- 
lector, 158. 
report  of  com- 
mittee in,  273. 
report  of  com- 
mittee    on 
mun  icipal 
governm  e  n  t 
In,  255. 
publications  in,  25. 
New  Testament,  126. 
Nightwalkers,  195. 
Norwood,  Samuel,  159. 
Notes,  102,  148,  208,  211,  215. 
due,  33,  60,  77. 
for  land,  34,  102. 
interest  on,  148,  150. 
private,  9. 

of  Thomas  Badger,  208. 
John  Hancock,  216. 
J.  and  A.  Hunting,  148,  217. 
Jabez  Hunting,  149,  208,  217. 
Massachusetts  Bank,  149. 
A.  Moore,  149. 

Rea  and  Wright,  149,  215,  216. 
Israel  Rand,  216. 
Joseph  Rowe,  215. 
Joseph  Russell,  210. 
John  Stuart,  148,216. 
Jacob  Tidd,  209,216. 
Jacob  Tidd,  Jr.,  120, 149. 
William  Tukesbury,  149, 215, 217. 
William  Wetmore,  149. 
Notification  of  sale  of  real  estate,  46. 
Noyes,  Nathaniel,  71. 


Oakum,  sale  of,  198. 

Oath  of  office,  1,  24,  25,  37,  49,  50,  65,  69,  70, 

93,  110,  111,  134, 138,  173,  201. 
Odin,  John,  200. 
Odlorne,  George,  142. 
Offices  in  Old  State  House,  rent  of,  150. 
Oil,  34.  107. 
Old  South  Church,  37,  63,  90, 118, 132,  223. 


Old  State  House,  lease  of    rooms  in,  to 
Freemasons,  138, 145, 
154,  155. 
rent  for,  150,  209,  212. 
Oliver,  Benjamin,  94. 

Ebenezer,  1,  24,  49,  64,  65,  93, 110. 
Francis  J.,  2,  3, 11,  25,  27,  49,  50,  53, 
66,  07,  93,  94,  95,  111,  113,  122,  137, 
144, 146,  162,  167, 172, 175,  176,  182, 
200,  203,  214,  224,  275. 
Harry,  200. 
Henry  J.,  93,  111,  134, 136, 154, 163, 

176,  177, 198,  220,  223,  250,  267. 
Mr.,  37,  64,  108,  132. 
Royal,  137,  175. 
Oration,  on  Anniversary  of  Independ- 
ence, 16,  37,  68,  90,  132,  156,  223. 
choice  of   orator,  1,  37,  63,  90, 

132,  156,  223. 
copy   of,  to   be   furnished   the 
press,  1,  37,  63,  90,  132,  156,  223. 
to  be  delivered   at   Old   South 
Church,  1,  37,  63,  90,  132,  156, 
223. 
Orne,  Azor,  200. 

Henry,  71,  97,  115,  118,  139, 162, 164,, 

165,  166,  179,  200,  241,  275. 
William,  142. 
Osborn,  John,  3,  11,  27,  36,  53,  68, 116. 
Otis,  George  W.,  12,  31,  52,  117,  121,  135, 
142,  163,  171, 173, 174,  200,  274,  275. 
Harrison  G.,  5,  28,  56,  72,  86,  104, 107^ 

116,  142, 162. 
H.  G.,  Jr.,  143,  200 
Afr.,  109,  133,  158, 159. 
Overseers  of  the  Poor.    (See  Poor.) 

Workhouse.      (See  Work- 
house.) 
Owen,  Benjamin,  3,  26,  51,  67,  95,  112,  136, 
137, 174. 


Packard,  Lemuel,  163. 

Lemuel,  Jr.,  145, 
L.  J.,141. 
Page,  Thaddeus,  118, 134, 136, 141, 161, 176, 

180,  276. 
Palfrey,  JRev.  J.  G.,  109, 162, 181. 
Parker,  Isaac,  161. 

Jonathan,  200. 
J.,  180. 
S.  D.,  162. 
S.  H.,200. 
Thomas  H.,  275. 
Parkman,  Daniel,  97. 
Samuel,  163. 
S.,  Jr.,  142. 

Jiev.  Francis,  1,  98,  162,  274. 
Parmenter,  AV.,  180. 
Parsons,  Benjamin,  139, 176. 
N.,  163. 

Theopholls,  163. 
Thomas,  117, 162. 
William,  28,116. 
Passageway    requested   by   New  South. 

Church  proprietors,  4. 
Patterson,  Enoch,  31,  52. 
Paul,  Thomas,  276. 
Pauperism,  187, 188,  189, 190,  267. 
causes  of,  187. 
checking  of,  270. 
effects,  193. 

report  of  committee  on,  184. 
Paupers,  accommodations  for,  192. 
claims  of,  upon  town,  187. 
comforts  of,  184. 
employment  for,  184,  186,   187,. 

188,  189,  190. 
labor  of,  on  highways,  185. 
maintainance  of,  119,  184,  212. 
relations  of  town  to,  193. 
State,  196. 

allowance  for,  218. 
Payne,  WiUiam,  167. 


Index. 


293 


Peabody,  Augustus,  115, 117, 143, 162, 200. 

Jacob,  200. 
Pelby,  W.,  ISO. 
Penitentiary,  270. 
People,  welfare  of,  SS. 
Perkins,  James,  140, 162. 

ATr.,  37, 109,  158,  159. 
Samuel  G.,  115, 180. 
Thomas,  2,  22,  25,  49,  66,  93,  135, 

173. 
Thomas  H.,  5,  28,  52,  55,  56,  71,  87, 
92,115,  165,180,  199,275. 
Perry,  Ebeuezer,  137,  175. 
Petition  for  common  sewer  in  Atkinson 
street,  171, 172. 
erection  of  workhouse,  177, 

270. 
law     against     incumbering 

sifiewalkB,  4. 
new  market,  95. 

school-house,  144,  274. 
of  assessors,  59. 
Balch,  Joseph,  145. 
Baxter,  Daniel,  145. 
Bigelow,  William,  13,  20. 
Boston    and    Roxbury    Mill 

Corporation,  138. 
Carney,  Daniel,  182. 
Child,  John  R.,  202. 
Davis,  Henry,  273,  274. 

Isaac  P.,  144. 
Field-drivers,  202. 
Field,  Joseph,  4,  13. 
French,  Benjamin,  203,  204. 
Gould,  Abraham,  176. 
Greenough,  David,  95, 100, 106, 

127,  128. 
Hall,  Ephraim,  171. 
Howe,  Thomas,  177,  270. 
Humphries,    Benjamin,     171, 

183. 
Jones,  Josiah,  202. 

Thomas  K.  167, 177. 
Lewis,  Asa,  205. 
May,  Joseph,  177,  270. 
number  of  inhabitants,  17,  18, 
32,  38,  52,  53,  72,  78,  79,  91,  100, 
105,  144,  145,  171,  172,  182,  220. 
Overseers  of  tJie  Poor,  ISS. 
Packard,  Lemuel,  Jr.,  145. 
Payne,  William,  167. 
Pound-keeper,  202. 
Smith,  Adam,  79. 
Stone,  Joseph,  154,  178. 
Tappan,  Lewis,  203. 
Thompson,  John,  203. 
Tidd,  Jacob,  Jr.,  96. 
Willett,  Joseph,  206. 
Winchester,  Edmund,  224. 
Wheeler,  John  H.,  264. 
Wheelwright  Lot,  182. 
to  abolish  Court  of  Sessions,  238, 
239. 
alter  Town  Government,  261. 
build  new  gun-house,  178. 
increase  number  of  Sealers  of 
Weights 
a     u    d 
Meas- 
ures, 
202. 
Survey- 
ors of 
L  u  m- 
ber,  203, 
206. 
lease  rooms  in  Old  State  House, 

145. 
Legislature,  154,  205,  238. 
remove     Hackney     carriages 

from  streets,  203,  204,  224. 
repeal  building  law,  264,  265. 
unite    offices    of    town    and 
county  treasurer,  145,  220. 


Phelps,  Charles  P.,  30. 
Phillips,  Edward,  135, 157, 173. 

James,  2,  25,  26,  50,  51,  66,  94,  95, 

112,  113, 135, 137,  142,  175. 
Hon.  John,  1,  3,  4,  5,  24,  27,38, 
48,  55,  56,  58,  65,  71,  72,  74,  93, 
97,  115,  134,  138,   139,  161,  173, 
178, 179,  241,  274,  275. 
Jonathan,  2,  22,  25,49,  65,  93,  111, 

117, 135,  142,  173, 199,  275. 
Joseph,  99. 
J.,  143. 
Mr.,  108, 132. 
Thomas,  49. 

Turner,  50,  58,  65,  66,  91,  93,  94, 
103,  105,  111,  112,  121,  130,  136, 
142,  159,  162,  201,  208,  210,  211, 
213,  214,  215,  216,  217. 
Willard,  163. 

William,  2,  5, 22, 25,  28,  49,  56,  65, 
71,  78,  93,  97,  111,  133,  135,  139, 
161,166,  173,179,180,274. 
Physician  to  the  goal,  240. 
Pickens,  John,  Jr.,  169. 
Pickering,  Timothy,  114. 
Pierce,  Joseph,  7,  30,  58. 
Pierpont,  £ev.  John,  116, 122, 136, 162, 167, 

176. 
Pilferers,  195. 

Plimpton,  William,  200,  276. 
Police,  judicial,  263. 

officers,  83, 206. 

choosing  of,  47. 
Intendant  to  receive  re- 
ports of,  45. 
removal  of,  47. 
salary  of,  107,  217. 
superintendent  of,  41.      (See  In- 
tendant.) 
Polls,  closing  of,  5,  7,  23,  28,  29,  56,  57,  64, 
71,  73,  92,  96,  98,  110,  114,  117,  135, 
139,141,  157,161,  164,  165,173,175, 
179,  181,  199,  255,  263,  265,  266,  274. 
return  of,  by  assessors,  6,  29,  57,  73, 
117,  141, 160, 199. 
Pook,  Benjamin,  51. 

Charles,  3,  26,  67,  95,  112,  136,  137, 
174. 
Poor,  accommodations  for,  184. 

admission   of,   into    public    semi- 

naries,  168. 
employment  for,  270. 
hardships  of,  76. 
idle,  242,  243. 

care  of,  271. 
Incapable  to  work,  271. 
insane,  board  of,  198. 
Overseers  of  the,  8, 12, 15,  22,  32,  34, 
35,  36,  39,  43,  45, 
46,  47,  58,  59,  63, 
75,    77,    91,    101, 
102, 103,  108, 109, 
110,111,132,133, 
146, 147,  152, 157, 
158, 159,  174, 194, 
195,198,201,250, 
273. 
accounts  to  audit, 
3,  27,  53,  68,  74, 
147. 
annual     election 

of,  47. 
choice   of,   2,  25, 
49,  61,66,93,135, 
173,  259. 
disbursements  of, 

198. 
drafts  of,  61, 101, 
120,  148, 150,  208, 
210,  213,  216,  218. 
Marblehead,    re- 
port of,  196. 
Salem,  report  of, 
197. 


294 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Poor,  Overseers  of  the,  petition  of,  183. 

,    proposed  change 
in,  39. 
to  aid  in  choosing 
Superintendent 
of  Police,  41. 
vacancy  in,  58. 
State,  9,  76, 102. 

money  for,  34,  61, 103, 196, 197, 
198. 
Porter,  Benjamin,  200. 
Portland,  105. 
Pound  in  G  street,  144. 

South  Boston,  to  build,  78. 
keeper,  choice  of,  12,  27, 144, 182. 

petition  for  increased  al- 
lovrance  to,  202. 
Powers,  D.  E.,  163. 
Pratt,  Bleazer,  275. 

John,  163. 
Pray,  Lewis  G.,  254. 
Prescott,  Samuel  J.,  30. 

William,  72, 161, 199,  241,  275. 
President  of  United  States,  89. 

address   to 

inhabitants 

of  Boston 

by,  87. 

expected  visit 

of,  86,  87. 

receptionof,87. 

reply  to    a  d- 

dress  by,  89. 

Prince,  James,  29,  56,  87, 100, 104, 113, 115, 

116, 127,  137, 140,  142, 161. 
Princetown,  84. 

Printing  act  to  establish  City  of  Boston, 
265. 
estimate   from    Court   of   Ses- 
sions, 107. 
of  supplies  and  taxes, 
106. 
list  of  real  and  personal  estates, 

264. 
oration  commemorative  of  the 
anniversary  of  Independence, 
1,  37,  63,  90,  13-2,  156,  223. 
report  of  committee  on  cou  n  t  y 
expen- 
s    e   s, 
231. 
election 
of  town 
and 
c  ounty 
treas- 
urer, 
226. 

English 
Classi- 
c  a  1 
School, 
171. 

finance , 
146,207. 
House 
of  In- 
dustry, 
251. 
Market, 
106. 

municl- 
p  a  1 
govern- 
m  e  n  t, 
255. 

new 
sch  0  o  1 
for 
child- 
ren, 123. 
'  w  o  r  k- 

hoase, 
177. 


Prison,  allowance  to  night  watches  of,  240. 
scavengers,  240. 
erection  of,  262. 
maintenance  of,  262. 
new,  239. 

communication   relative    to 
erection  of,  123. 
county,  erection  of  new,  232. 

superintendence  of,  232. 
State,  232. 
Prisoners,  expense  of  keeping,  236. 
Proclamation  of  Governor,  160. 
Proctor,  Jonathan  C,  200. 
Produce,  sale  of,  in  market,  69. 
Property,  city,  management  of,  44. 
public.  Income  of,  43. 
town,  management  of,  46. 
sale  and  lease  of,  46. 
unequal  taxation  of,  230. 
Proprietors  of  Mill  Pond,  251. 

Corporation,  145. 
Prouty,  Joel,  115. 
Public  buildings,  receipts  from,  107. 

superintendence  of,  258. 
expenses,  committee  to  seek  sav- 
ing in,  107,  113. 
property,  income  of,  43. 
seminaries,  168. 
Purkett  (Purkit,  Purkitt),  Henry,  3,  26, 

51,  67,  94,  112,  117, 136,  142,  163, 174. 
Putnam,  Jesse,  6,  28,  72,  140, 143,  162,  166, 
180,  200,  275. 


Quarantine  regulations,  54. 
Quincy,  Abraham  H.,  116,  162. 
Edward,  200. 

Josiab,  5,  28,  48,  56,  71,  97,  115, 
139,  141,  161,  177,  179,  193,  198, 
199,  241,  250,  267,  272,  275. 


Railers,  196. 

Rainsford,  Josiah  C,  48, 142, 143, 162. 
Rand,  Benjamin,  28,  58,74,  98,117, 143,162, 
276. 
Isaac,  151,  211. 
Isaac,  Jr.,  120,  216. 
Randall,  John,  164. 

Moses,  116. 
Rea,  Mr.,  120, 149, 151. 

and  Wright,  151,  211,  215,  216. 
Read  (Reed),  George,  114,  179. 
James,  200,  203. 
Real  Estate,  46,  84, 167. 

mortgages  of  86. 

owners,  167. 

petition  relative  to  valuing, 

172. 
sale  of,  46. 
Reception  to  President  of  United  States, 

87. 
Records  of  convention  to  choose  town 
treasurer,  206. 
police  court,  47. 
Referees  to  settle  town  boundaries,  252. 
Religious  instruction  in  House  of  Indus- 
try, 271. 
rights,  89. 
Rents,  34,  218. 

Deer  Island,  213. 

Faneuil    Hall,  stalls   and    cellars 

under,  150,  209,  212. 
hay  scales,  209. 

house  in  Union  street,  209,  213. 
land  near  ropewalk,  212,  213. 

on  Merrimack  street,  150, 213. 
Mill  Pond,  209. 
Neck,  13,  150,  209,  212. 
Prince  street,  150,  213. 
Market,  62,  69,  70,  100,  121,  1,50,  152. 
Old  State  House,  150,  209,  212. 
Town  House,  103,  152. 
Town  property,  107. 


Index. 


295 


Reports  of  committees,  3, 7, 8, 11, 12,  13,  20, 
21,  31,  32,  38,  48,  50,  53,  59,  63,  68,  70,  74, 
79,  80,  83,  86,  99,  100,  101,  102,  105,  106, 
108,  118,  119,  122,  124,   129,  130,  132,  133, 
143,144,  145,  146,  153,   154,  155,  158,  167, 
168, 172,  177,  178,  183,   184,  194,  195,  196, 
197,  201,  204,  206,  207,  224,  227.  231,  235, 
241,  252,  254,  255,  256,  267,  273. 
RepresentativeB,  23,  29,  38,  64,  92,  109,  160, 
164,  256,  259  261,  264. 
choice  of  7,  23,  30,  .58,  65, 
74,  92,  98,  110,  117,  141, 
161,  199. 
House  of,  46. 
number   of,  in  General 

Court,  160. 
to    oppose    petition    of 
David  Greenough,  128. 
Resolutions  of  S.  A.  Wells,  167. 

on  unprotected  condition  of 

town,  IS. 
relative  to  English  Classical 

School,  167. 
to  Governor,  19. 
Restriction   and   regulation   of   occupa- 
tions, 47. 
Revere,  Joseph  W.,  58,  74, 117, 167, 178, 200. 
Rhodes  (Rhoades),  Jacob,  48, 114, 1.39, 142. 
Rice,  Henry,  142. 

John  P.,  161. 
Rich,  Benjamin,  2,  50  66,  73,  81,  94  111,  116, 

122,  141,  143,  161, 177,  182,  251. 
Richards,  John,  162. 

Joseph,  2,  22,  25,  49,  65,  93,  111, 

135. 
Mr.,  109, 13*^. 
Richardson,  Asa,  203. 

P.,  180. 
Richie  (Ritchie) ,  Andrew,  23, 28, 30, 92,  97, 

110,  115. 
Ridgway,  James,  162. 
Robbine,  Edward  H.,  71,  179,  275. 

Edward  J.,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94,  112, 
136,  174. 
Roberts,  Frank,  57,  72. 
Robinson,  Charles,  30. 
Col.,  15. 
Henry,  176. 

James,  48,  58,  72,  97, 163. 
Mr.,  7. 
Rogers  (Rodgers),  Henry  N.,  176,  200. 

John  G.,  143. 
Rogues,  195. 

Act  for  punishing  and  suppress- 
ing, 22. 
Roofs,  by-law  relating  to  throwing  anow 

from,  14. 
Rope-walk,  rent  of  land  near,  212,  213. 
Ropes,  W.,  180. 

Roulston,  John,  12,  31,  52,  98, 115. 
Roulstone,  Michael,  167,  178,  203,  254,  275, 

276. 
Rowe,  Joseph,  120, 151,  211,  215. 

Thomas,  118. 
Roxbury,  145,  252. 
Ruggles,  Joseph,  110. 

Russell,  Benjamin,  7,  13,  24,  25,  28,  30,  55, 
57,  58,  66,  70,  74,  86,  92,  93,  97,  98, 
110,  111,  112,  114,  115,  117,  123, 
127,  128,  135,  141,  144,  161,  167, 
172,  174,  176,  ISO,  199,  223,  254, 
275. 
B.  L.,  276. 
James,  118. 
Joseph,  210. 
J.,  180. 
Mr.,  218. 

Sabine,  James,  143. 

Salary  or  allowances,  assessors,  14,  36, 
59,62,79,104,154, 
202,  217. 
Bigelow,  William, 
20. 


Salary,  or  allowances,  Board  of  Health, 
53. 

clerk  of  market, 
217. 

constables,  238, 
240. 

county  treasurer, 
47,  241. 

court  house  keep- 
er, 240. 

court,  municipal, 
judge  of,  13,  62, 
79,  104,  131,  153, 
202,  217,  232. 

court  of  sessions, 
justices  of,  238. 

Dawes,  Thomas, 
36. 

fire-wards,  m  e  s  - 
senger  of,  217. 

justices  of  the 
peace,  240. 

night  watches, 
240. 

police  officers,  217, 
232. 

school  masters, 
127, 129,  170,  218. 

school  ushers,  170. 

selectmen,  chair- 
man of,  91,  202, 
217. 

selectmen,  mes- 
senger to,  217. 

sheriff,  240. 

town  clerk,  13,  36, 
62,   79,   104,  131, 

154,  202,  217. 
town  clerk,  assist- 
ant, 205,  206,  217. 

town  collecter,  12, 
36,  63,  79,  107, 
127,  130,  155,  204, 
222. 

town  treasurer, 
12,  36,  63,  79,  105, 
107,  127,  130,  1.54, 

155,  204,  217,  222. 
town   treasurer, 

clerks  of,  130. 
Salem,  105, 184. 

Almshouse,  185, 197. 
Salisbury,  Josiah,  139,  141, 162, 179. 

Samuel,  140. 
Sargent,  Daniel,  5,  23,  29,  52,  55,  57,  72,  116, 
163,  275. 
Henry,  30,  58,  74. 
Savage,  James,  99,  100,  104,  124,  126,  142, 
161,  177, 198,  200,  250,  275. 
Thomas,  162. 
Sawyer,  Thomas,  118, 143. 
School,  African,  13. 

appropriations,  13,  120,   121,    153, 

218,  219. 
committee,  annual  election  of,  47. 
Boylston,  151,  253. 

money  for,  148. 
building  In  Derne  street,  218. 
committee,  20,  47,  99,  124, 127, 152, 
155,  169,  171,  253. 
choice  of,  25,  26,  49, 66, 
93,  111,  136, 
176. 
to    fill    va- 
c  a  n  c  y, 
122 
duties   of,  26T  50,  66, 

94,  111,  136, 176. 
failure  to  choose,  138. 
how  chosen;  259. 
report  of,  252. 
English  classical,  167. 

admission    to, 
169. 


296 


City  Document  No.  128. 


School,  English  classical,  committ o, e    to 

revise  course 

of  study,  171. 

course  of  study, 

168,  170. 
expense  of,  170. 
for    boys,    ex- 
clusively, 169. 
public     s  u  b- 
Bcription     to 
furnish,  170. 
require  m  e  n  t  s 
of  masters 
and    ushers, 
169. 
resolution     t  o 
establish,  167. 
salary  of   sub- 
master,  170. 
salary        of 
ushers,  170. 
erection,  town  treasurer  to  borrow 

money  for,  99. 
Instructors,  129. 
of    mutual    instruction,   teacher 

for,  252,  253. 
grammar,  126. 

land,  sale  of,  in  West  street,  4. 
"         Latin,  compensation  of  master,  20. 
course  of  studies,  129. 
petition  of  master  of,  13,  20. 
laws  relative  to,  136. 
masters,  2,  26,  ."50,  66,  111,  125,  127, 
136,  176,  252,  253. 
salaries  of,  129,  170,  217, 
218,  254. 
new,  171,  252. 

Boj^lston  town,  99. 
engine-house  in    connection 

with,  274. 
erection  of,  99. 
expense  of,  152. 
for    children    under   seven 

years,  124, 125, 126. 
in  School  street,  20. 
of  mutual  instruction,  252. 
petition  for,  79, 100,  144,  273, 

274. 
ward   meetings   in   connec- 
tion with,  274. 
watchhouse    in    connection 
with,  274. 
North,  alterations  in,  218, 
petition  to  establish  for  children 

under  seven,  100. 
primary,  152,  153, 155,  217,  218,  252. 
private,  105, 126. 
ushers,  20. 

quallflcations  of,  169. 
salary  of,  217. 
Schools,  charity,  105. 
fuel  for,  125. 
public,  169,  319,  252,  253. 
care  of,  2.59. 
committee,    empowered 

to  establish,  2.52. 
salaries    of    preceptors 

and  assistants,  107. 
Bupei'intendent  of,  259. 
Sears,  David,  74,  98,  116,  139,  141, 161, 179, 
200,  275. 
David,  Jr.,  58. 
•John,  276. 
Joshua,  139. 
J.,  200. 
Selawav,  Joseph,  3,  26,  51,  67,  95. 
Selectnien,  1,  2,  3, 4,  5,  7,  8, 12, 16,  17, 18, 23, 
2,5,  -26,  27,  28,  29,  31,  32,  34,  3,% 
36,  37,  38,  39,  41,  42,  43,  44,  45, 
46,  47,  48,  49,  ,50,  52,  53,  54,  57, 
59,  63,  65,  67,  69,  70,  72,  73,  76, 
76,  77,  78,  79,  81,  82,  84,  85,  86, 
87,  90,  91,  92.  94,  95,  100,  102, 
103,  107, 108, 110,  119,  127, 130, 


Selectmen,  131,  132,  137,  138, 144,  146, 147, 
151,  1.52, 153,  155, 156,  157,  158, 
159,  160,  164,  167,  171,  172,  175, 
176,  178, 183,  205,  206,  210,  215, 
216,  220,  221,  224,  230,  232,  234, 
235,  245,  251,  252,  256,  261,  263, 
265,  266,  267,  274. 
accounts,  to  audit,  74,  147. 
agents  on  Mr.  Boylston's  will, 

84. 
annual  election  of,  47. 
authority  of,  to  expend  taxes, 

234. 
authorized  to  build  new  mar- 
ket, 183. 
chairman  of,  117,  138,  163, 179, 
181,  199,  201, 
salary   of,    78,   91, 
202,  217. 
choice  of,  1,  24,  49,  58,  65,  93, 
110,  134,  135, 173.  ■ 
to  fill  vacancy,  153. 
chosen    surveyors    of     high- 
ways, 113, 175. 
committee  to  erect  new  prison, 
123. 
to  petition  legisla- 

ture,  154,  266. 
relative     to    town 
boundai'ies,  2.52. 
to  repair  streets  on 

Neck,  31. 
to     sell     land    on 
Ivers  and   Port- 
land streets,  96. 
current  expenses  of,  61, 120. 
decline  to  serve,  135. 
drafts  of,  9,  61,  101,  120,  148, 
150,  151,  208,  210,  213,  216,  218. 
duties  and  powers,  46,  47. 
empowered   to    sell    land   on 

West  street,  4. 
to   improve   town    rights    in 

Dock,  183. 
Intendant  to  be  chairman  of, 

45. 
powers  interfering  with  Board 
of  Health,  54. 
relative    to     hackney 
carriages,  204. 
petition  referred  to,  4. 
proposed  change  in,  39. 
regulations     of,    relative     to 

market,  69,  70. 
rejection    of   compromise   of 

Boylston  heirs,  85. 
salary  of  messenger,  217. 
to  assume  powers  of  Court  of 
Sessions,  239,  262. 
choose    Superintendent   of 

Police,  41. 
decide  complaints  against 

market,  69. 
increase  pay  of  watchmen, 

127. 
prepare  petition  relative  to 

building  laws,  264,  265. 
receive      yearly      warrant 
from   State    Treasurer, 
227. 
regulate    loads    drawn   in 
streets,  82. 
vacancy  in,  145. 

filling  of,  58. 
Seminaries,  public,  168,  169. 
Senators,  96,  98, 128,  261,  264. 

choice  of,  5,  29,  56,  71,  97,  115, 
139, 179. 
Servants,  stubboi-n ,  196. 
Sewell,  Joseph,  117,201. 
Sewer  in  Kilby  street,  167. 

petition  relative  to,  in  Atkinson 
street,  172. 
Shaffer,  J.  H.,  180. 


Index. 


297 


Sharp  (Sharpe),  Bev.  Daniel,  56,  134,  136, 

161,176,200. 
Shaw,  Lemuel,  7,  13,  37,  97,   110,  112,  115, 
134,  135,  136,  140,  141,  149,  161,  167, 

174,  176, 179,  200,  241,  275. 
Mr.,  132,  133. 

Robert  G.,  67,  95,  113,  137,  142,  146, 

175,  214. 
Shed,  S.  A.,  162,  200. 
Shelton,  Stephen,  139. 

W.  P.,  180. 
Sherman,  Levi,  128. 
Sheriff,  92,  233,.236,  239,  240. 
Shidmore,  Zeal,  163. 
Shimmln,  William,  164,  200. 
Shops  in  Old  State  House,  rent  of,  150. 
Shurtleff,  S.  A.,  180. 

Sidewalks  adjacent  to   Merchant's  Hall, 
repair  of,  177. 
removal  of  snow  from,  167. 
Sigourney,  Andrew,  7,  8,  11, 12, 14,  15,  24, 
30,  31,  35,  36,  52,  55,  58,  59,  63, 
64,  77,  78,  79,  91,  101,  1(]4,  105, 
107,  109,  119,  131,  133,  147,  149, 
150, 151,  153, 157,  158,  208,  209, 
211,214. 
Elizabeth,  210,  211,  212. 
Silsby,  Enoch,  65,  93,  98,  110,  111,  117,  121, 
135,  171,  174,  200,  203,  251,  275. 
Nathaniel,  115. 
Simonds  (Symonds),  Jonathan,  142,  162, 

182,  220,  223,  274,  275. 
Simpson,  Isaac  P.,  12,  31,  52. 

J.  K.,  163. 
Sinking-fund,  76. 

recommendation  of,  34. 
Sloan,  Barney,  3,  26,  51,  67,  95. 
Smith,  Adam,  79. 
Barney,  72. 

Benjamin,  2,  24,  25,  48,  50,  .52,  55, 57, 
58,  66,  74,  94,  97,  98,  112,  117,  164, 
174,  200. 
Elias,  139,142,179. 
James,  143, 
John,  3,  26,  51. 
■  JohnH.,  139,176,180. 
Joseph,  6,  72,  139, 154. 
William,  2, 7, 20, 21,  22,  25,  30,  49,  58. 
Snelling,  Josiah,  3,  26,  29,  51,  67,  95, 113. 
Mr.,  64,  109,  1.33,  158, 159. 
Nathaniel  G.,  275. 
Samuel,  2,  22,  25,  49,  65,  72,  93, 
111,  135,  143,  162,  173. 
Snow,  Gideon,  98. 

N.,  180. 
Sohier,  William  D.,  162,  180,  200,  276. 
Soley,  Samuel,  162. 
Soper,  S.,  180. 
South  Boston,  12,  26,  30,  123,  244,  247. 

burial-ground  for,  113,  114, 

123,  130. 
choice  of  fence  viewers  for, 

78,  99. 
land  for  almshouse  in,  192. 
petition  of  inhabitants,  182. 
pound  in  new,  73. 

keeper  of,  202. 
bridge,  proposed  purchase 
of  land  near,  123. 
toll  from,  244. 
South  Carolina,  42. 
Southern  cities,  80. 
Spear,  Doddridge,  166. 
Gershom,  3,  26. 
Samuel,  26. 
William,  112,  137, 175. 
Spirits,  sale  of,  234. 
Spooner,  William  J.,  6, 163,  201. 
Sprague,  Samuel,  3,  12,  27,  31.  52,  67,  95, 

113,137,175. 
Stanwood,  David,  143. 
State  Government,  43,  260. 

of  Maine,  town  land  in,  183. 
officers,  256,  259,  260,  265. 


State  paupers,  196,  197,  218. 

support  of,  9,  149,  209. 
prison,  232. 
treasurer,  149,  209,  212. 
Stationery,  publishing  of,  estimate  for, 

107. 
Stearns,  Jacob,  92, 110, 162,  200. 
Stevens,  Isaac,  118,  142,  162,  200. 
Stoddard,  Simon  J.,  144. 
Stodder,  Joseph,  2,  26,  51,  67,  94,  112, 118. 

136, 174. 
Stone,  Joel,  210. 

Joseph,  154, 178. 
Storey,  Joseph,  166. 

Streets,  agent  empowered  to  repair,  31. 
Atkinson,  laying  sewer,  171. 
Beacon,    petition  to    build  mill- 
dam  and  turnpike  from,  144. 
by-laws  regulating    loads  to  be 
carriecf  in,  80,  82. 
relative  to  obstruction 
of,  14,82. 
removal  of 
snow  from 
walks 
along,  167. 
court,  paving  of,  149. 
Derne,  school-house  in,  218. 
elevation  of  buildings  from,  264, 

266. 
G,  pound  in,  144. 
Ivers,    committee  to   dispose  of 

land  on,  96. 
Kilby,  common  sewer  in,  167. 
Leverett,  almshouse  in,  194. 

new  buildings  in,  195. 
workhouse  in,  195. 
leading  to  market,  69. 
Merrimack,  rent  of  land  on,  150, 

213. 
near  market,  alterations  in,  100. 
North,    rent  of    fish    stalls    on, 

213. 
obstruction  of,  80. 
paving  of,  107,  149,  167. 
petition  relative  to  hacknev  car- 
riages in,  203,  204,  224. 
pilfering  in,  271. 
Portland,   committee  to  dispose 

of  land  on,  96. 
Prince,  rent  on,  150,  213. 
regulations  of  trucking  in,  80. 
repairs  and  maintainance  of,  on 
Neck,  .31. 
expense  of,  31. 
rights  of  citizens  to  use,  81. 
School,  new  school-house  in,  20, 
sewer  in  Atkinson,  171. 
Tremont,  paving  of,  149. 
Union,  70. 

rent  of  house  on,  150,  209, 
213. 
water,    drain  under  Merchant's 

Hall  in,  177. 
West,  sale  of  land  in,  4. 
Western  avenue,  252. 
Strong,  Caleb,  5,  28,  56. 
Stuart,  John,  151,  211,  216. 
Sturgis,  Kussell,  6,  28,  56, 139, 180,  200. 

William,  7,  30,  58,  98,  110, 115, 117, 
141,   161,  164,   166,  174,   180,  200, 
254. 
Suffolk  County,  17,  23,  29,  47,  56,  57,  64,  72, 
76,  98,  138, 148,  216,  221, 
235,   236,    238,  239,  240, 
262. 
prison,  new,  232. 

use  of,  as  work- 
house, 196. 
register  of  deeds,  173. 
sheriff,  92,  240,  241. 
treasurer,   220,    224,  225^ 
232,  233,  235, 
236. 


298 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Suffolk  County,  treasurer,  applicants 
for  position 
of,  226. 
choice    of,   3, 
27,  50,  66,  94, 
112,  136. 
uniting  office 
with  town 
treas  u  r  e  r , 
145,  220,  224, 
225,  236,  239, 
261,  262. 
District,  65,  109,  110,  164,  179,  180, 
181. 
Suits,  civil,  260,  261. 

criminal,  11,  260, 
Sullivan,  George,  58,  63,  97,  162,  180,  200, 
275. 
Richard,  7,  28,  56,  71,  92,  97,  115. 
William,  2,  5,  6,  7,  13,  14,  22,  25, 
28,  51,  65,  72,  73,  81,  86,  92,  95, 
97,  115,  117,  139,  161,  166,  179, 
200,241,255,275. 
Sumner,  Charles  P.,  97. 

Thomas  W.,  14,  22,  58,  74. 
William  H.,  7,  14,  22,  23,  52,  55, 
58,  74,  86,  92,  98. 
Superintendents,  53. 
Superintending  Board,  41. 
Surveyors  of  Boards  and  Lumber,  choice 
of,  3,  26,  51,  67, 112. 
Hemp,  choice  of,  3,  26,  51, 

67.  113. 
Highways,  choice  of,  3,  26, 

51,  67,  113. 
Wheat,  choice  of,  3,  26,  51, 
67,  113. 
Swett,  Samuel,  74,  85,  86,  97, 104,  118. 


Tappan,  Charles,  142. 

Jonathan,  200. 

Lewis,  114,  142,  200,  220,  223,  231, 
275 
Tarbell,  S.  P.,'200. 
Tax  Act,  229. 

Taxation  of  estates,  petition  relative  to, 
172. 
report  of  committee  on,  227. 
Taxes,  abatement  of,  8,  9,  22,  33,  35,  60,  62, 
75,  77,  102,103,  119, 
147,   152,  207,  218, 
228  '^'^O  230 
assessed,  8,  33,  35,  60,"  77,  119,  121, 

147,  153,  207,  228,  256. 
alteration  in  time    of   assessing, 

203,  229. 
bank  stock,  229. 
bills,  63,  107,  228. 
city  council  authorized  to  assess, 

258. 
collection  of,  by  law,  33. 

change  In  system,  20. 
deficiency  in,  4,  11,  14, 
31,  33. 
collector  of,  9,  21,  77,  104. 

choice  of,  15,  36,  91,  109, 

133. 
dischai'ge  of,  21. 
county,  8,  9, 10,  33,  34,  35,  60,  61,  75, 
77,102,  103,  119,  120,  121, 
147, 152,  203,  207,  210,  218, 
219,  '^20,  229. 
Chelsea's.share  of,  236. 
court  of   sessions  to  ap- 
portion, 227. 
estimate  of.  from  court  of 

sessions,  107. 
resolve  in  legislature  rel- 
ative to,  237. 
exemption  of  corporations  from, 

229. 
money  received  from,  33,  150,  210, 
213. 


Taxes,  on  mortgaged  estates,  227,  228. 

personal  property,  228,  229,  230. 
outstanding,  4,  9,  34,  60,  75,  76, 102, 
119,  120, 121, 147, 151, 152,  207,  217, 
218. 
poll,  35,  62,  77,  104,  153,  219,  227. 
printing,  estimate  of,  106. 
real  estate,  35,  77,  104, 121, 153,  219. 
revision  of,  230. 

state,  9, 10,  33,  34,  35,  60,  61,  62,  75, 
76,  77,  102,  103,  119,   120,  121, 
147,  148,  152,  207,  218,  219. 
method  of  assessing,  227. 
to  pay  interest  on  loans,  238. 
town,  8,  9,  10,  33,  .36,  60,  62,  75,  101, 
102,  119,  191,   147,  152,  206, 
207,  219,  220,   229,   230,  234, 
262. 
laws  relative  to  levying,  227. 
warrants  for,  102. 
Thacher  (Thatcher),'  David,  116. 

Peter  O.,  2, 12,  25,  30,  31,  49,  .55, 
58,  66,  70,  74,  78,  92,  93,  99,  111, 
115,  117,  121,  140,  143,  162. 
Rev.  Samuel  C,  49,  55. 
Thaxter,  Jonathan,  135, 174,  200 

Thomas,  200. 
Thayer,  Ebenezer,  275. 

Ephraim,  7,  30,  58. 
Joel,  142. 
Mr.,  157, 158, 159. 
Richard,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94, 112, 174. 
Samuel  M.,  2,  7,  25,  50,  66,  94, 112,. 
135,  174. 
Thomas,  Thomas  K.,  118, 162,  200,  275. 
Thompson,  John,  183. 

William,  Jr.,  72. 
Thorndike,  Israel,  5,  29,  86,  115, 161. 
Israel  P.,  Jr.,  30,  58. 
John  P.,  12,  31,  52. 
Thurston,  William,  162,  177,  198,  220,  223, 

251 
Ticknor,  Elisha,  24,  100,  126, 142. 163, 173, 

179. 
Tldd,  Jacob,  209,  211,  216. 

Jacob,  Jr.,  96,  120,  149,  151. 
Tilden,  Bryant  P.,  2,  22,  25,  50,  58,  66,  72, 
94,  107,  117,  121. 141,  159,  163, 174. 
John,  28,  ■■ 
Jos  'ph,  2,  24,  25,  50,  66,72,  94,  97, 

115, 140,  143,  161,  179,  241,  275. 
Major,  15. 
Tileston,  Mr.,  158, 159. 

William.Sl,  52, 180. 
Toll  from  South  Boston  bridge,  244. 
Tombs  in  South  Burial  Ground,  137,  145. 
to  be  built  on  guuhouse  land,  178. 
Torry,  E.,  180. 

Town,  act  relative  to  workhouse  in,  196. 
to  incorporate,  32. 
almshouse,    accommodations    of, 

184. 
bequest  of  Thomas  Boylston  to,  83. 
boundaries    committee   to   settle, 

252. 
buildings  near  the  Common,  194. 
chief  e.xecutive  of,  40-41. 
clerk,  3,  19,  27,  42,  47,  50,  62,  65,  66, 
70,  92,  94,  105,  112, 136, 138, 
143,  155,  157,  158,  160,  164, 
165,  166,  167,  172,  178,  181, 
182,  199,  201,  205,  223,  263, 
264,  265,  266,  274,  276 
change  in  duties  of,  257. 
choice  of,  1,  24, 49, 65, 93, 110, 

134,  173. 
salary  of,  79,  104,  131,  154, 

202,  217. 
assistant,  205,  207. 

salary  of,  206, 217. 
pro  tern.,  105,  138, 140. 
collector,  11,  35,  43,  61,  77,  104,  119, 
131,   l.o3,   201,   202,  210, 
212,213,214. 


Index. 


299 


Town  collector,  accounts,  to  audit,  32,  59, 
75,  101,  208,  211,  213. 
applications    for    office 

of,  159. 
books  of,  75, 102, 147. 
choice    of,   36,    109,  157, 

158,  159. 
declines  to  serve,  158. 
deficiency  in  collection 

of  taxes  by,  33. 
salary  of,    36,    107,    130, 
154,  204,  222,  230. 
corporate  name  of,  42. 
creditors,  10. 
debit  and  credit  of,  33,  60,  151,  208, 

209. 
debt,  interest  on,  61, 103. 
statement  of,  9,  217. 
division  of,  into  wards,  256,  260. 
docl£,  abutters,  183. 

disposition  of,  183. 
petition  relative  to,  171. 
exposed  condition  of,  17. 
government  of,  261. 

alteration  of,    41,  42, 

260. 
committee  on  cbange 
in,  32,  255. 
bouse,  rent  of,  62,  77, 103, 121, 152. 
income  from  market,  100. 
land,  burial  ground  on,  in  South 
Boston,  122. 
in  Alfred,  Me.,  deed  of,  183. 
South  Boston,  authority 
of     Board     of   Health 
over,  122. 
on  Neck.    {See  Land.) 
sale  of,  in  West  street,  4. 
laws  relative  to  health,  55. 
management    by    superintending 

board,  41. 
meetings,  1,  5,  6,  7,  15, 16,  19,  23,  27, 
29,30,37,38,48,49,55,57, 
58,  63,  64,  71,  72,  73,  74, 
90,    92,   96,    98,   99,   105, 
106,    109,   114,    116,  118, 
127,    132,   134,   138,    140, 
143, 144, 156, 164, 165, 166, 
172,    178,    181,   182,   199, 
201,  223,    251,  252,   263, 
264,  265,  267,  274,  276. 
continuance  of,  42. 
petition  to  call,  17. 
money  bequeathed  to,  78. 
officers, 1. 

choice  of,  47,  65,  93. 

laws   respecting,  23,   110, 

173. 
removal  of,  47. 
property,  care    and  management 
of,  by  intendant,  46. 
statement    to    be    pub- 
lished of,  107. 
records,  160. 

rights  relative  to  dock,  !83. 
sidewalks,  4. 
standing  of,  compared  with  other 

cities,  42. 
treasurer,  4,  8,  11,  12,  31,  35,  36,  43, 
61,  75,  77,104,  119,13], 
150,   153.  158,  167,  201, 
203,  208,   210,  212,  213, 
214,   21.5,  216,  224,  235, 
272. 
accounts,  to  audit,  7,  8, 
11,  3-2,  53,  59,  68,  74,  79, 
95,99,  113,  137,  146,  175, 
208,  211,  213. 
advertising   for   candi- 
dates in  newspapers, 
225. 
annual  election  of,  46. 
applications    for    office 
of,  159. 


Town  treasurer,  bonds  of,  15,  37,  64,  91, 
1.59. 
books  of,  75, 102, 119, 147, 

158. 
choice  of,  15,  36,  64,  91, 

109,  133, 157,  158,  159. 
clerkg  of,  130, 131. 
committee    on    uniting 
office     with    county 
treasurer,  224. 
convention    to    choose, 

15,  206,  226. 
declines  election,  158. 
deputies,  131. 
drafts  of,  198. 
empowered    to  borrow 
money,  10, 22, 62,  78, 99, 
202. 
money  from,  for  House 

of  Industry,  194. 
notes  of,  148. 
office  of,  to  be  united 
with  county  treasurer, 
154. 
payment     to     William 

Bigelow  by,  20. 
petition    to  unite  with 
county  treasurer,  145, 
220. 
prosecution  aganst,  14. 
report  of  committee  on 

delinquency  of,  20. 
report  of  committee  on 
uniting     office    with 
county  treasurer,  235. 
salary    of,  79,   107,  154, 
204,       217, 
222. 
report    of 
committee, 
130. 
clerks,  130. 
taxes  received  by,  60. 
to     assume    duties    of 
county  treasurer,  239. 
to    receive    all    money 

from  courts,  239. 
union    of    office    with 
county  treasurer,  225, 
261,  262. 
treasury,  91,  104,  107,  232. 

money  in,  9,  60,  75,  102, 

120. 
receipts  from  justices  of 
the  peace,  4. 
watch,  232. 

increase  in,  251. 
Townsend,  Alexander,  99. 

David,  6,  28,  66,  72,  140,  162, 
180. 
Tracy,  Nathaniel,  276. 
Train,  Oliver,  116. 
Treadwell,  Daniel,  92. 
Trefrey,  William,  59. 
Trials  before  police,  right  to  claim,  47. 

by  jury,  jurisdiction  of,  263. 
Trott,  George,  174. 
Trucks,  81. 

by-law  regulating  length  of,  81, 

82. 
obstruction   to  business  by,  80, 

81. 
owners  of,  81. 
Truckmen,  petition  of,  79. 
Trueman,  J.  F.,  276. 
Trustees,  86. 

of  land  on  Neck,  4,  121. 

choice  of,   12, 
30,  58,  99, 182. 
empowered  to 
sell  or  lease, 
182. 
Tucker,  Joseph,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94, 112,  136. 
Richard  D.,  73, 143, 162,  200. 


300 


City  Document  No.  128. 


Tuckerman,  Edward,  3,  13,  26,  30,  51,  58, 
67,  78,  95,  99,  111,  135,  162, 
174,  275. 
Edward,  Jr.,  58,  65,  93. 
Henry  H.,  72,  116,118, 
John,  137,  175. 
Tudor,  Mr.,  254. 

William,  57, 141,  180,  200,  220,  234, 

241,  275. 
William,  Jr.,  28,  30,  58,  74,  97. 
Tufts,  Fitch,  142,  Hj3,  166,  200. 

Quiucy,  275. 
Tukesbury,   William,  120,    149,    151,  211, 

215,  217. 
Turnpike,  petition  to  build,  144. 
Tuttle,  Charles,  174. 

Daniel,  72, 163,  200. 
Turell,  12,  30,  52. 
Turell,  Jr.,  12. 
Tyler,  John,  118. 
Tythingmen,  31. 

choice  of,  12. 

United  States,  32,  37,  43,  63,  64,  65,  88, 108, 
133,  323,  232,  252. 

army,  6. 

cities  of,  42. 

president  of,  86,  87. 
University,  129,  169. 
Unknown,  Benjamin,  37. 
Upham,  Pbineas,  117, 143, 163. 

Vacancies,  filling  of,  in    committee    on 
House  of  In- 
dustry, 2U3. 
town     offices, 
45,  47. 
Vagabonds,  195. 

act  for  suppressing  and  pun- 
ishing, 22. 
commitment  of,  239. 
Vagrants,  workhouse  lor,  194. 
Varnum,  Joseph  B.,  28,  71,  97,  197. 
Vessels,  quarantine  of,  54. 
Vose,  E.,  180. 

Josiah,  142. 
Thomas,  142,  163. 
Votes  for  amendments  to  state  constitu- 
tion, 181. 
delegates    to    convention    for 
revising  state  constitution,161. 
electing  state  officers,  265. 
governor,  lieutenant    governor 
and  senators,  5,  27,  56,  71,  96, 
114,  139,  179,  274. 
presidential  electors,  165. 
register  of  deeds,  176. 
representatives,  30,  57, 74,  98, 117, 
141, 199. 
to  congress,  92, 
110,   164,  166, 
170. 
resolve,  relative  to  city  govern- 
ment, 263. 
selectmen,  173. 
town  treasurer  and  collector,  15, 

36,  64, 91, 109, 183, 157, 158,  159. 
to  accept  city  charter,  265. 
Vinal,  D.,  142. 

Wagons  in  streets,  80. 
Wait,  Thomas  B.,  126,  161. 
Wakefield,  Ter.,  200. 
Waldo,  Francis,  179. 

H.  S.,  118. 

S.,  180. 
Walker,  Dudley,  176. 
Wallack,  Jloses,  140. 
Walley,  Mr.,  109,  133. 

Samuel  A.,  140. 

Samuel  H.,  t>l,  93,  97,  111,  135,  142, 
161,  167,  178,  180,  200. 
Walter,  Lynde,  7,  30,  48,  58,  161,  180,  199, 
275. 


Wanton  persons,  195. 
War,  18. 

expenses  arising  from,  34. 
Ward,  Artemus,  23,  29,  72,  97,  115, 139,  161, 
251. 
Benjamin,  116. 
Thomas,  164. 
Warden,  260. 
Wards,  choice  of  delegates  by,  45. 

committee  from,  105,  171,  254. 

elections,  260. 

election  of  Justices  of  the  Peace 

by,  41. 
meetings  of,  260. 
redivision  of,  260. 
to  choose  committee  on  municipal 

government,  32. 
town  to  be  divided  into,  256. 
Ware,  Rev.  Henry,  65, 126,  161, 164. 
Warrants,  1,  4,  5,  6,  7,  16,   17,  23,  27,  29, 
30,   31,  33,   33,   37,  38,  46,  48, 
49,  56,  57,  58,  63,  64,  65,  71,  72, 
73,  74,  86,  90,  92,  93,  95,  96,  98, 
99, 106,  108,  109,  110,  114,  116, 
118,  127,  132,  134,  138,  140,  143, 
156,  160,  164,  165,  167,  172,  173, 
178,  181, 199,  201,  219,  220,  223, 
224,251,259,264,265,  367. 
article  in,  relative  to  claim  of 
David      Hinckley 
and  Luther  Ellis, 
145. 
to  continue  range  of 
tombs     in     South 
burial  ground,  137. 
lease,  rooms  in  Old 
State     House     to 
Freemasons,  138. 
from  treasurer  of  the  common- 
wealth, 227. 
return  of,  to  nolice  court,  47. 
Warren,  Dr.  John  C,  2,  25,  49,  66,  93,  111, 

161. 
Watch-house  in  connection  with  school, 

274. 
Watchmen,  salary  of,  107. 

increase   of,    127, 
131. 
Watson,  Benjamin,  117. 
Watts,  John  C,  276. 
Webb,  Nathan,  1,  2,  7,  24,  25,  50,  66,  74,  85, 

86,  94,  110, 112,  114,  126,  134,  136,  162. 
Webster,  Daniel,  92,  97,  110,  115,  143,  161, 
164,  165,  166,  179,  241,  274,  275. 
Mr.,  15, 109,  133, 157,  158,  159. 
Bedford,  3,  22,  25,  48,  49,  52,  55, 
65,  93, 100,  104, 105, 106,  111,  135, 
143,  158,  161,  171,  173,  183,  198, 
203,  254,  275. 
Weights  and  measures,  sealers,  petition 

to  appoint  additional,  183,  202. 
Welch,  Francis,  48,  52,  55, 117, 142, 171, 177, 
198,  200,  251,  367,  273,  276. 
Mr.,  157,  158,  159. 
Br.  Thomas,  2,  25,  49,  66,  93,  HI, 
136, 176. 
Weld,  Benjamin,  1,  7, 15,  24,  30,  50,  52,  55, 
64,  91,  99,  101,  104, 109, 133, 136,  220, 
233. 
Frederick,  143. 
Mr.  233. 
Wells  (Welles),  Arnold,  24  57,  74,  85,86, 
142,  162. 
Benjamin  T.,  134,  140,  163. 
George,  115. 

John,  3,  27,  28,  52,  67,  71,  92,  95,  97. 
104,  113,  115,  137,  139,  161, 166, 175, 
179,  275. 
Mr.,  13,5,  157,  158,  159. 
Samuel  A.,  104,  110,  114,  115,  116, 
118,  133,  128,  135, 139, 141, 158, 169, 
160,  161,  164, 166,  167, 171,  173, 177, 
179,  180, 198,  300,  201,  203,  351,  275. 
Thomas,  200. 


Index. 


301 


Wells,  William,  2,  25,  49,  66,  93,  111,  136, 

143, 176. 
West,  Benjamin,  30,  48,  100,  111,  122,  143, 
162,  200.  276. 
Joseph,  142. 
West  Point  Cadets,  220. 
Wetmore,  William,  17, 120, 149. 
Wharves  for  House  of  Industry,  erection 
of,  247,  269. 
•in  connection  with  House  of  In- 
dustry, 269. 
rent  of,  198. 
pilfering  from,  271. 
Wheat  surveyors,  choice  of,  3,  26,  51,  67, 

95,113,  137,  175. 
Wheeler,  John  H.,  182,  200,  264. 
Wheelwright  Lot,  200. 
White,  Benjamin,  2,  3,  26,  51,  67,  94,  95,112, 
113,  136,  137, 174. 
Eben,  200. 
Henry,  140. 
William,  67. 
Whitman,  Benjamin,  7, 13,  20,  30, 58, 74, 91, 
97,  98,  116,  117,  140,  141,  154, 
161,  167, 171,  178,  180,  200,  275. 
Mr.,  15,  37,  133,  157, 158,  159. 
S.  A.,  275. 
Thomas  L.,  275. 
Zachary  G.,  118.     - 
Whitney,  Asa,  142,  162,  200,  201. 

Jonathan,  7,  30,  48,  58,  116, 117, 

121,  1.35,141,163,174,200. 
Josiah,  142. 
Whittemore,  Benjamin,  276. 
Whitwell,  Benjamin,  16,  58,  74, 176. 

Samuel,  72, 118,  142. 
Wiggin,  Timothy,  29. 
Wigglesworth,  Thomas,  58,  66,  94, 142, 162. 
Wild,  Abraham,  2(i0,  220. 

D.,  200. 
Wilkinson,  Mr.,  159. 

Simon,  72, 162. 
Will  of  Thomas  Boylston,  administrator 
of,  84,  85. 
agents  to  de- 
liver    re- 
leases to  ad- 
ministrator 
of,  85. 
compromise 

on,  85. 
controversy 

over,  83. 
difficulties 
in  prose- 
cution  o  f 
town 
claims 
against,  84. 
testator  o  f , 

83,  84. 

value  of  be- 

quest   to 

town  in, 83. 

money  from 

i  t  o    p  a  y 

for  new 

Bchools,99. 


Willett,  Joseph,  203,  206. 
Williams,  Elijah,  162. 

Eliphalet,  134,  145,  152,  154, 155, 
161,  171,  173,  180,  182,183,  199, 
253. 
Henry,  116,  276. 
John  D.,  25,  50,  66,  94,  100,  111, 

135,  163,  171,  174. 
Moses,  110, 182. 
Robert,  1,  24,  49,  65. 
S.  K.,162. 
Timothy,  142. 
Willis,  Charles,  140. 

Dean,  142, 180. 
Nathaniel,  163,  200. 
Winchell,  Bev.,  64. 

Winchester,  Edmund,  117, 135,  141,  200. 
Winslow,  Benjamin, 200. 
Charles,  200. 
Isaac,  78,  81,  113,  115,  127,  137, 

139, 143,  162, 179,  223,  241. 
John,  2,  3,  25,  27,  50,  66,  94,  111, 

112,  122, 176,  200. 

John,  Jr.,  2,  25,  ,50,  66. 

Winthrop,  Thomas  L.,  6,  100, 124,  139,  142, 

162,  179,  200,  275. 
Wisner,  Mr.,  178. 
Withington,  Elijah,  118. 
Witnesses,  2.39,  240. 
Wise,  Daniel,  118. 
Wood,  Abraham,  200. 

John,  24,  48,  52,  55. 
William,  92. 

laws    relating  to  carrying  of,  in 
streets,  80. 
Woodward,  Joseph,  143, 177, 179, 198. 

Richard,  198. 
Workhouse,  194, 195,  270. 

act  for  erection  of,  22. 

of  General  Court  relative 

to,  196. 
relative  to  erection  and 
govern  m  e  n  t   of,    195, 
196. 
as  part  of  system  of  police, 

195. 
committee  on  petition  rela- 
tive to,  177. 
overseers  of,  choice  of,  22,  25, 
49,  66,  93,  111, 
135, 173. 
accounts,  to 
audit,  53,  68. 
petition  to  erect,  177. 
report  of  committee  on  erec- 
tion of,  184. 
Wright,  Edmund,  118, 163. 
Edmund,  Jr.,  142. 
Mr.,  120,  149,  151, 
Nathaniel,  118. 
Wyman,  William,  200. 

York  county,  Maine,  deed  of  town  land 

in,  183. 
Young,  A.,  66, 118. 


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